Conquest of the Aztec Empire: Cortes, along with his Spanish troops and indigenous allies, notably the Tlaxcalans, overthrew the Aztec Empire in a decisive victory that culminated in the fall of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, in 1521. This conquest brought the vast majority of Mesoamerica under Spanish control.
Establishment of New Spain: The Spanish crown established the Viceroyalty of New Spain to administer and govern the conquered territories in the region. New Spain became one of the most important and powerful Spanish colonies in the Americas.
Spread of European Diseases: The arrival of Europeans introduced various infectious diseases, such as smallpox, measles, and yellow fever, to the indigenous populations of Mesoamerica. These diseases had a devastating impact, leading to widespread fatalities and demographic decline among the native communities.
Cultural Exchange: The encounter between Spanish and indigenous cultures resulted in a complex process of cultural exchange. The Spanish introduced Christianity, European language, customs, and technologies, while indigenous traditions also influenced Spanish culture. This cultural exchange laid the foundation for the development of mestizo and creole identities.
Mining and Encomiendas: The Spanish conquistadors sought to extract wealth from the newly acquired territories. Mines were established for silver extraction in areas such as Zacatecas and Guanajuato, which resulted in the exploitation and forced labor of indigenous populations through the encomienda system.
Indigenous Resistance and Rebellions: Despite the subjugation of the Aztec Empire, indigenous communities mounted resistance and rebellions against Spanish rule in the years that followed Cortes's conquest. However, the fragmented nature of indigenous societies made it difficult for them to successfully challenge Spanish authority.
Cortes's voyage marked the beginning of a transformative era in the history of Mesoamerica, leading to significant changes in the political, social, cultural, and economic landscapes of the region.