How did the introduction of diseases by the Europeans affect the Spanish conquest of the Aztec?
Although diseases weakened forces on both sides considerably, deaths from illness were few.
The spread of disease slowed the progression of battles between the Spaniards and the Aztec.
After Aztec forces were weakened by disease, they joined with the Totonac and Tlaxcalans to fight against the Spaniards.
Indigenous Americans had not been exposed to the diseases before and their immune systems could not tolerate the illnesses, benefiting the Spanish forces.
The introduction of diseases by the Europeans had a significant impact on the Spanish conquest of the Aztec. Although deaths from illness were not as high as expected, the spread of diseases, such as smallpox, had a major effect on both sides.
Firstly, the diseases weakened forces on both sides considerably. The indigenous population, including the Aztecs, were particularly vulnerable to these new diseases as they had no previous exposure or immunity to them. As a result, many Aztec warriors and leaders fell ill, reducing their fighting capacity and weakening their defenses. The Europeans, on the other hand, had some level of immunity to these diseases, which gave them a significant advantage in battle.
Secondly, the spread of disease slowed the progression of battles between the Spaniards and the Aztecs. As the diseases ravaged the Aztec population, both commoners and elite, the social and political structure of the Aztec empire was greatly disrupted. The loss of personnel and the chaos caused by the diseases made it difficult for the Aztecs to mount organized resistance against the Spanish forces.
Additionally, the weakened Aztec forces sought alliances with other indigenous groups who had also been affected by the diseases. The Totonac and Tlaxcalans, who had witnessed the devastating impact of the diseases on their own populations, joined forces with the weakened Aztecs to fight against the Spanish. This resulted in a larger indigenous force opposing the Spanish conquerors, albeit a weakened one.
In summary, the introduction of diseases by the Europeans benefited the Spanish conquest of the Aztec in several ways. The diseases weakened both sides, but the indigenous population suffered the most due to their lack of immunity. The spread of diseases disrupted the Aztec society and slowed their resistance efforts. Moreover, the weakened Aztecs formed alliances with other affected indigenous groups, forming a larger but still weakened force against the Spanish. Overall, the diseases played a significant role in facilitating the Spanish conquest of the Aztec.