Fall

The Aztec Empire fell when Spanish conquistadors arrived from Europe. The Spanish had big advantages often called “guns, germs, and steel.” They brought guns, metal weapons, armor, and horses, which the Aztecs had never seen before.

When the Aztecs first saw the Spanish riding horses, they thought the men and animals might be one creature, like riding giant hornless deer. The Spanish also used tricks. They pretended to be friendly and asked for gold and silver, which the Aztecs valued as decorations, not money. Once the Spanish collected large amounts of treasure, they returned with more soldiers.

The Spanish also made allies. Many people the Aztecs had conquered hated Aztec rule and wanted revenge. These groups helped the Spanish fight against the Aztecs, giving them thousands of extra warriors.

The deadliest weapon was disease. Europeans brought illnesses like smallpox, which had never existed in the Americas before. The Aztecs had no protection against these diseases. Historians believe that up to 90% of the Aztec population may have died from sickness. Whole cities were emptied, and the empire became too weak to defend itself.

With disease spreading, enemies attacking, and Spanish weapons overpowering them, the Aztec Empire collapsed. The Spanish then took control, enslaved many people, and ruled the land.

The fall of the Aztecs shows how new technology, disease, and alliances can change history very quickly.