1. Language Barrier: Cortés and his men did not speak the native languages of the Aztec Empire, which hindered communication and understanding with the local population. He relied on interpreters, such as La Malinche, to bridge the language gap.
2. Disease: The Europeans brought with them diseases, such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, which the native population had no immunity to. These diseases decimated the indigenous population and weakened their resistance to the Spanish invasion.
3. Political Divisions: The Aztec Empire was not a monolithic entity but rather composed of various city-states and tributary provinces. Cortés skillfully exploited existing political rivalries and enmities among the native groups, forming alliances with some to weaken the power of the Aztecs.
4. Superior Technology: The Spanish possessed advanced military technology compared to the Aztecs. They had firearms, crossbows, and steel armor, which gave them a significant advantage in battles. Additionally, the Spanish brought horses, which were unfamiliar to the Aztecs and provided a psychological edge during combat.
5. Logistics: Cortés's expedition had limited resources and supplies when they arrived in Mexico. Maintaining a steady supply of food, weapons, and ammunition was challenging, especially in unfamiliar and hostile territory.
6. Guerrilla Warfare: After the Spanish conquered the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs resorted to guerrilla warfare tactics. They launched surprise attacks and disrupted Spanish supply lines, making it difficult for Cortés to consolidate his control over the region.
7. Resistance from Other Indigenous Groups: While some indigenous groups allied with Cortés, others resisted his advances. The Tarascans, for instance, put up a fierce fight against the Spanish and managed to maintain their independence for a longer period.
8. Lack of Reinforcements: Cortés did not receive substantial reinforcements from Spain during the early stages of the conquest. He relied on his small force and his ability to forge alliances with the natives to overcome the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Aztecs.
9. Political Maneuvering: Cortés had to navigate complex political dynamics among his own men and the Spanish authorities. There were rivalries, power struggles, and disagreements within his ranks, which he had to manage to maintain unity and discipline.
10. Cultural and Religious Differences: Cortés and his men encountered a vast and complex civilization with its own religious beliefs, rituals, and social structures. Understanding and adapting to these differences was crucial for establishing effective communication and control over the conquered territories.