Smallpox wiped out 5-8 million Aztecs shortly after the Spanish arrived in Mexico in 1519. In the 18th century, the British tried to infect Native American populations. Factors, such as diseases and religious beliefs, also contributed to the defeat of the Aztecs by the Spanish army (Holmer, 2005). The Aztecs, however, who had never been exposed to such a disease, were not able to handle the consequences. Of course, the Aztecs were not the only indigenous people to suffer from the introduction of European diseases. Native Americans such as the Aztecs had never come in contact with Old World diseases such as smallpox and therefore possessed no natural immunity to the virus; furthermore, no effective anti-viral therapies were available to treat it. In addition to North America’s Native American populations, the Mayan and Incan civilizations were also nearly wiped out by smallpox. The loss of people in a loss that can't be calculated. You might want to read more about the how the Spanish did this. They introduced the Aztecs to domestic animals, sugar, grains, and European farming practices. How smallpox devastated the Aztecs – and helped Spain conquer an American civilization 500 years ago Menu Close Five hundred years ago, in February of 1519, the Spaniard Hernán Cortés set sail from Cuba to explore and colonize Aztec civilization in the Mexican interior. In many places it happened that everyone in a house died, and as it was impossible to bury the great number of dead, they pulled down the houses over them, so that their homes became their tombs.” Smallpox took its toll on the Aztecs in several ways. It took Cortés two years, but he finally conquered the Aztec capital in August 1521. Fatal in approximately one-third of cases, another third of those afflicted with the disease typically develop blindness. The other principle factor that contributed to the defeat of the Aztecs was that they did not retreat when they lost their warriors in the battlefield. How were they different? He got it in the form of a smallpox epidemic that gradually spread inward from the coast of Mexico and decimated the densely populated city of Tenochtitlan in 1520, reducing its population by 40 percent in a single year. how did the spanish defeat the aztecs? Favourite answer. The Spanish recruited the enemies of the Aztecs and Incas to help destroy the two kingdoms. Spanish weaponry and tactics played ... and indigenous allies would not have been able to overcome a city of 200,000 without help. The Spanish recruited the enemies of the Aztecs and Incas to help break the two kingdoms. When his small fleet landed, he ordered his ships scuttled, eliminating any possibility of retreat and conveying the depth of his resolve. Hmmm, well the Spanish unintentionally brought European diseases with them and it spread like wildfire! Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. So, how did a well-trained group of warriors that outnumbered the Spanish could have been beaten so quickly? In the past, diseases such as influenza, smallpox and measles, other pathogens that were known to have been brought over from Europe were considered, though they have now been ruled out. Sign up now, Latest answer posted December 17, 2019 at 4:57:35 PM, Latest answer posted March 15, 2018 at 10:48:50 AM, Latest answer posted April 02, 2008 at 3:30:05 PM, Latest answer posted November 13, 2015 at 1:34:24 PM, Latest answer posted February 23, 2016 at 6:49:29 AM. Smallpox killed many of its Aztec victims from the onset of exposure, especially those who were more vulnerable, such as infants and young children. ... 1 decade ago. The ability of smallpox to incapacitate and decimate populations made it an attractive agent for biological warfare. From Cuba came another Spanish army, to make sure that Cortes followed his orders. You could easily have googled this question. First of all - technology. a. with guns, horses, and an epidemic b. by intentionally spreading disease c. with bows and arrows d. by - 3587307 Updated 1/12/2017 9:13:12 AM. In Tlaxcala the Spanish recovered from their wounds, including Cortés and Alvarado who were both injured in the escape from Tenochtitlan. Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now. Spanish weaponry and tactics played a role, but most of the destruction was wrought by epidemics of European diseases. Recalling the epidemic, one victim reported: “The plague lasted for 70 days, striking everywhere in the city and killing a vast number of our people. It took only two years for Hernán Cortés to conquer and seize the Aztec empire for Spain. Though vastly outnumbered, he and a small force marched on Tenochtitlan, where Montezuma received them with honor. How did the Spanish explorers defeat the Aztec? Mass vaccination against smallpox got going in the second half of the 1800s. This answer has been confirmed as correct and helpful. You might want to read more about the how the Spanish did this. Discovering widespread resentment toward the capital city and its ruler, Cortés formed alliances with many locals. Smallpox took its toll on the Aztecs in several ways. Tenochtitlan was sacked and its monuments … After war and disease swept the empire, it fell in 1521. In Aztecs times can be split up into two sections - before the Spaniards copyright © 2010–2020 the..., “ we gave them two blankets and a small force marched on,! February 1519 with the intention of exploring and colonizing the region resented paying to! 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