explain what led to the death of montezuma
The death of Montezuma, also known as Moctezuma II, was a significant event in the history of the Aztec Empire. There are several versions and theories surrounding his death, but the most commonly accepted explanation involves a combination of factors.
1. Spanish Conquest: Montezuma's death was primarily a result of the Spanish Conquest led by Hernán Cortés. In 1519, Cortés and his expedition arrived in the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City), and were initially greeted with curiosity and respect by Montezuma. Montezuma believed that Cortés might be a divine figure or the returning god Quetzalcoatl, according to Aztec legends.
2. Political Instability: Montezuma's rule was already facing internal challenges and political instability before the arrival of the Spanish. He had come to power in 1502 and was dealing with resistance from various city-states within the Aztec Empire. Some of these factions saw the Spanish arrival as an opportunity to challenge or overthrow Montezuma's rule.
3. Ambiguous Response: Montezuma's response to Cortés and his troops was inconsistent. Initially, he welcomed them into the city, but as tensions rose, he ordered an attack on the Spanish forces. However, it ended in failure, and Montezuma was taken captive by Cortés. This weakened Montezuma's prestige and led to discontent among his own people.
4. Unrest Among the Aztecs: While Montezuma was held captive, unrest grew among the Aztec population. They were unhappy with Montezuma's collaboration with the Spanish and saw him as weak and submissive to foreign invaders. Many blamed him for allowing the Spanish to enter their lands and engage in acts of violence against the Aztecs.
5. Death: The exact circumstances of Montezuma's death are disputed, as various accounts exist. One version suggests that he was killed by the Spanish, who allegedly stoned him to death while he was addressing his people from a rooftop balcony. Another theory suggests that he was fatally wounded by the Aztec population, who resented his collaboration with the Spanish. Some even claim that he was accidentally killed by a Spanish soldier during a scuffle.
Overall, it can be said that Montezuma's death resulted from a combination of external factors, such as the arrival of the Spanish and the subsequent conquest, as well as internal factors, including political instability, his ambiguous response to the Spanish, and the growing discontent and unrest among the Aztec population.