Cortes Conquers the Aztec

In 1400, Spanish "explorers" arrived in the Americas.
~Later called Conquistadors, came for gold and to spread Christianity

Herman Cortes reached Mexico in 1519 with the hopes of finding gold

The Aztec ruler, Moctezuma II thought Cortes was god because he resemble a god's description from the legend

Moctezuma sent gifts to Cortes, including gold and marched to Tenochtitlian and took Moctezuma prisoner

Enraging the Aztecs, the Spanish and Indians fought, and killed Moctezuma
~allowed Cortes to conquer Tenochtitlian

Reasons the Spanish won:
Alliances in the region like Malintzin led the way to the Aztecs
the Spanish had better weapons like cannons and swords
Geography of the Spanish blocked off water supply
The Spanish also brought smallpox to the Aztecs, making them weak and some dead