1. Superior Military Technology: The Spanish had access to advanced weaponry and tactics, including guns, crossbows, and horses. These were largely unknown to the Aztecs and gave the Spanish a significant advantage in battle.
2. Disease: The Spanish introduced diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza to the Americas. These diseases caused widespread devastation among the indigenous populations, including the Aztecs, weakening their military strength and social cohesion.
3. Political Divisions: The Aztec Empire was not a unified entity, but rather a collection of city-states and subject territories. Some of these city-states resented Aztec rule and were willing to ally with the Spanish against their common enemy.
4. Alliances with Native Allies: The Spanish were able to form alliances with various indigenous groups who were disaffected with Aztec rule. These allies provided valuable support in terms of manpower, intelligence, and local knowledge.
5. Leadership of Hernán Cortés: The Spanish expedition was led by Hernán Cortés, a skilled and charismatic military leader. Cortés was able to exploit the weaknesses of the Aztecs and build alliances with their enemies, ultimately leading to their defeat.
6. Luck: The Spanish also benefited from a certain amount of luck. The timing of their arrival in the Americas coincided with a period of internal political turmoil within the Aztec Empire, and they were able to capitalize on this instability.
It is important to note that while these factors played a significant role in the Spanish victory, the conquest was not simply a matter of military conquest. The Spanish also relied on economic, political, and cultural factors to consolidate their control over Mesoamerica.