CDL #1 - Why did Cortes win?

CDL #1 – Why did Cortes win?

By Malynda O’Neal

From June, 30 1520 – August, 13, 1521 Cortes and his men bitterly fought the Mexica’s for power over the Mexican capital.  Although the Mexica’s vastly outnumbered Cortes’ men they were not equipped with the latest weaponry, organizational skills, or mindset for victory.  The Mexica’s were somewhat naïve in that they thought initially that Cortes’ men were gods which gave Cortes the edge in the battle from the beginning.  Plagued also by an epidemic of small pox and measles the Mexica’s were weak, vastly underpowered people who were spiritually and emotionally drained.  Cortes used his confidence and crafty people skills to place his men in a mindset of having to fight with no way home by dismantling the ships; this left the men with no option but to succeed in the battle.  Cortes’ army had the power of horseback, cannons, good health, strong spirituality, and a charismatic demeanor which helped him and his army battle the Mexica's.  After a long battle it was the addition of the Indian people’s support that led Cortes to victory.

Question # 1 – Why were the Mexica’s discouraged from fighting well even though they far outnumbered Cortes’ men?

Question # 2 – How did the Spaniards and the Mexicas differ in their religious practices during the battle?