The Aztec Empire was defeated by a combination of factors, including the arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519, political fragmentation within the empire, and diseases such as smallpox that decimated the indigenous population.
By whom:
1. Spanish Conquistadors:
- Led by Hernán Cortés, a small band of Spanish conquistadors launched an ambitious campaign against the Aztec Empire.
- They established alliances with indigenous groups who resented the Aztecs, such as the Tlaxcalans and Ixtlilxochitl of Texcoco.
2. Indigenous Allies:
- Indigenous allies provided crucial support to the Spanish, including military forces, knowledge of the terrain, and assistance in logistics and supplies.
3. Smallpox Epidemics:
- Smallpox, along with other European diseases, ravaged the Aztec population and weakened their military capability. It is estimated that up to half of the Aztec population died from diseases.
4. Cortes' Strategy:
- Cortes exploited the political divisions within the Aztec Empire and strategically used diplomacy and military tactics to gain ground and siege the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.
5. Fall of Tenochtitlan:
- In 1521, after prolonged sieges and fierce fighting, the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan fell to the Spanish and their indigenous allies. The last Aztec ruler, Cuauhtémoc, was captured and the Aztec Empire was officially defeated.
6. Role of Indigenous Allies:
- The collaboration of various indigenous groups, who sought to overthrow Aztec dominance or saw a chance for their independence, played a significant role in the downfall of the empire.