2.3 Imperial expansion and tributary system

The Aztec Empire's rise to power hinged on military might and economic control. Through strategic conquests and the establishment of vassal states, they expanded their territory and influence across Mesoamerica.

The empire's backbone was its tribute system, extracting goods and labor from conquered regions. This economic dominance, coupled with long-distance trade networks, cemented Aztec power and shaped the political landscape of ancient Mexico.

Military Expansion and Conquest

Flower Wars and Conquest Strategies

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• Flower Wars (Xochiyaoyotl) served as ritualized battles between Aztecs and rival city-states
• Aztecs conducted these wars to capture prisoners for religious sacrifices and military training
• Xochiyaoyotl differed from traditional warfare by focusing on capturing rather than killing enemies
• Conquest strategies included diplomatic alliances, intimidation tactics, and strategic military campaigns
• Aztecs often employed divide-and-conquer tactics to weaken enemy alliances before launching attacks
• Military expansion targeted resource-rich regions and strategic trade routes to enhance economic power

Establishment of Vassal States

• Conquered territories became vassal states under Aztec control
• Vassal states maintained local governance but paid tribute and provided military support to the Aztec Empire
• Aztecs often left existing power structures intact to minimize resistance and facilitate administration
• Local rulers in vassal states were required to send their heirs to Tenochtitlan for education and indoctrination
• Aztec empire expanded through a combination of direct conquest and voluntary submission of weaker city-states
• Vassal system allowed Aztecs to control vast territories without maintaining a large standing army in each region

Economic Control and Tribute System

Tribute Collection and Administration

• Tribute formed the backbone of Aztec economic imperialism
• Conquered regions paid regular tribute in goods, services, and labor to the Aztec capital
• Calpixque served as imperial tax collectors and administrators in conquered territories
• These officials oversaw tribute collection, maintained records, and reported to the central government
• Tribute items included raw materials (cotton, cacao beans), finished goods (textiles, jewelry), and luxury items (feathers, jade)
• Aztecs used tribute to support their military campaigns, public works, and lavish lifestyles of the nobility

Long-Distance Trade and Economic Imperialism

• Pochteca operated as professional long-distance traders in the Aztec economy
• These merchants traveled extensively, gathering intelligence and conducting trade on behalf of the empire
• Pochteca traded luxury goods, facilitated cultural exchange, and acted as unofficial diplomats
• Economic imperialism extended Aztec influence beyond military conquests through trade networks
• Aztecs established and controlled important marketplaces (tianquiztli) throughout the empire
• Trade routes connected distant regions, allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas across Mesoamerica