An Unequal Fight

In what ways did technology and disease contribute to 

the Spanish dominance over the Aztecs?

     In your text, read through the chart of Aztec and Spanish weapons.  In your notes, respond to these questions:

1. How can weapons affect the outcome of a war?

2. What are the most powerful weapons today?

3. Both the Aztecs and Spanish had powerful tools of war, but they weren't evenly matched.  Which side do you think had the technology advantage?

Weapons Unknown to the Aztecs

muskets - long rifle-like guns fired from the shoulder

     When Moctezuma heard the Spanish had landed, ambassadors were sent to find out what the Spanish wanted.  Before the ambassadors had a chance to leave, Cortés ordered the men to fire the canons as a way to "show off" the power the Spanish possessed.  

The Horse as a Weapon

     The Aztecs had never seen horses before.  These powerful animals became a weapon against the Aztecs:

• Spanish could ride with one hand on reigns and fight with other

• Horses were fascinating to the Aztecs because of the size, power and speed.

The Role of Disease

     A smallpox epidemic broke out in the new land and many Aztecs died, thus weakening their army.  With their immunity to the disease, the Spanish were able to overtake the Aztecs.  

Section overview

The Three Weapons of the Spanish

1. Guns/canons

2. Disease

3. Horses