Social Studies 8
Spanish and Aztecs in Conflict
Using pages 229-230 in your Worldviews text look at the traits that the Aztecs and
Spanish have in common.
Using the information in your text, complete the chart by outlining what traits the
Spanish and Aztecs have in common and the advantages and disadvantages of these
traits.
Traits in Common
Advantages of these Traits
Disadvantages of these
Traits
Moctezuma’s Choice
Begin by reading page 231 in your Worldviews: Contact and Change textbook.
Pay attention to the discussion of Moctezuma and the way he handled the arrival
of the Spanish. Keep in mind what the Spanish would have been thinking and
why they wanted to enter Tenochtitlan.
Visit the website at: http://www.reportret.info/gallery/motecuhzoma1.html.
Read the first paragraph about Moctezuma as a ruler to get another idea about
his choice and his personal character. Note also the variations on his name, and
the interesting picture created from Aztec sources and influenced by European
cultural ideas.
Imagine that you are Tlacaelel, Moctezuma’s brother. At the time of the
Spanish conquest, Tlacaelel was first councilor and often advised his brother
the Emperor. You are concerned that your brother may be making a mistake in
his plan to let the Spanish into Tenochtitlan. You believe you must warn him
of the dangers of letting the Spanish into the city, but you must plan your
discussion carefully. Fill in the chart below with concerns Tlacaelel might
have had and ideas for what he could say to advise his brother.
Now…..Tlacaelel Warns Moctezuma…
Begin by reading pages 232 to 233 in your Worldviews: Contact and Change
textbook. These pages outline the events of the battle. As you read, think about the
worldview of each side and what they might have been thinking.
Create a summary of the main events in the chart provided. List the main events in
order on the left-hand side. You should list at least six events, but you may choose to
divide them differently. Add more numbers in your chart if needed. Beside each event,
write your ideas about what the Spanish may have been thinking or hoping and what the
Aztecs may have been thinking at each stage of the battle. An example has been done to
help you get started.
Main Events in the Battle
for Tenochtitlan
Spanish thoughts and
hopes
Aztec thoughts and hopes
Initiating event: The
Spanish take Moctezuma
hostage in his own palace,
placing him under house
Initiating event: The
Spanish likely hoped they
could control the Aztec
population by forcing the
Initiating event: The Aztec
people likely hoped their
leader would escape or that
warriors would be able to
arrest.
Emperor to tell them what
to do.
help him and that he would
stand up to the Spanish.
Event 2:
Event 2:
Event 2:
Event 3:
Event 3:
Event 3:
Event 4:
Event 4:
Event 4:
Event 5:
Event 5:
Event 5:
Event 6:
Event 6:
Event 6:
Final outcome:
Final outcome:
Final outcome: