Here's a breakdown of the events that unfolded after Moctezuma offered Cortes gold:
1. Cortes's Demanding Request:
Moctezuma sent several loads of gold, silver, and other treasures as a gift to appease Cortes and encourage him to leave Tenochtitlan. However, Cortes was not satisfied and saw this as a chance to further his goals of conquest.
2. Increased Demands and Hostages:
Cortes responded by making even more demanding requests, including the surrender of all the treasures of the Aztec Empire and the release of two high-ranking Aztec officials he had taken as hostages.
3. Resentment and Unrest in Tenochtitlan:
Moctezuma's concessions to Cortes caused widespread resentment among the Aztec nobility and people. The Aztecs felt humiliated by Cortes's actions, and many began to plot against the Spanish.
4. Escalating Conflict:
As tensions rose, a skirmish broke out between Spanish soldiers and Aztecs in Tenochtitlan, leading to the death of several Aztecs. This further inflamed the conflict and sparked a general uprising against the Spanish.
5. Siege and Capture of Moctezuma:
Moctezuma was captured by Cortes and held hostage in an attempt to subdue the Aztecs. However, this only fueled their anger, and they besieged the Spanish forces at Tenochtitlan.
6. Spanish Retreat and La Noche Triste:
Cortes and his men made a desperate attempt to escape Tenochtitlan at night. This event is known as "La Noche Triste" (The Sorrowful Night) and resulted in heavy losses for the Spanish.
7. Reinforcements and Return to Tenochtitlan:
Cortes retreated to regroup and gathered reinforcements from his allies. He eventually launched another campaign against Tenochtitlan, laying siege to the city for several months.
8. Fall of Tenochtitlan:
After months of fierce fighting and Aztec resistance, Cortes and his forces managed to capture Tenochtitlan in August 1521. The fall of the Aztec capital marked the beginning of the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the end of the Aztec Empire.
In conclusion, Moctezuma's offer of gold did not deter Cortes's ambitions to conquer the Aztec Empire. Instead, it led to escalating demands, unrest, and eventually, the Spanish capture of Tenochtitlan and the downfall of the Aztec civilization.