The Spanish introduced a variety of new crops and animals to the Aztecs, including wheat, rice, sugar, and horses. These new crops and animals had a significant impact on the Aztec diet and economy. Wheat and rice became staple foods, while sugar was used to make a variety of sweets. Horses were used for transportation and warfare, and they quickly became an essential part of Aztec society.
2. Spread of Disease
The Spanish also brought with them a number of diseases, including smallpox, measles, and influenza. These diseases devastated the Aztec population, killing millions of people. The loss of so many people had a profound impact on Aztec society, disrupting the economy and social order.
3. Destruction of Aztec Temples and Culture
The Spanish were determined to convert the Aztecs to Catholicism, and they destroyed many Aztec temples and religious artifacts. This destruction of Aztec culture had a devastating impact on the Aztec people, who saw their traditional way of life being wiped away.
4. Establishment of Spanish Rule
The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire led to the establishment of Spanish rule in Mexico. The Spanish imposed their own laws and customs on the Aztecs, and they discriminated against the indigenous people. This oppression led to resentment and rebellion among the Aztecs.
5. Long-Term Impact on Aztec Society
The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire had a profound and long-term impact on Aztec society. The introduction of new crops and animals, the spread of disease, the destruction of Aztec temples and culture, and the establishment of Spanish rule all contributed to the decline of the Aztec Empire and the rise of Spanish dominance in Mexico.