5.2 Immediate consequences for Aztec society and governance

The fall of Tenochtitlan triggered massive changes in Aztec society. The power vacuum left by Moctezuma II's death led to political chaos, with the Triple Alliance crumbling and tributary states rebelling. Spanish colonizers quickly imposed new systems of governance, like encomiendas and viceroyalties.

Aztec society faced a demographic catastrophe, with up to 90% of the population wiped out by war, disease, and famine. The economy was upended as traditional trade networks collapsed and Spanish priorities took over. Cultural destruction was widespread, with temples razed, sacred objects destroyed, and forced assimilation to European norms.

Political Upheaval

Power Vacuum and Dissolution of Alliance

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• Power vacuum emerged after Moctezuma II's death led to political instability
• Triple Alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan disintegrated
  • Alliance had maintained Aztec dominance for nearly a century
  • Dissolution weakened Aztec ability to resist Spanish conquest
• Tributary city-states seized opportunity to rebel against Aztec rule
  • Tlaxcalans allied with Spanish forces against Tenochtitlan
• Cuitláhuac's brief reign (80 days) failed to restore political order
• Cuauhtémoc, last Aztec emperor, struggled to unite fragmented empire

Spanish Colonial Governance

• Spanish imposed new political structure replaced Aztec system
• Encomienda system established Spanish control over indigenous labor and resources
  • Spanish encomenderos granted land and authority over native populations
  • System led to exploitation and abuse of indigenous people
• New Spain viceroyalty created in 1535 to administer conquered territories
  • Viceroy acted as representative of Spanish crown
  • Audiencia established as high court and advisory body
• Cabildo system introduced for local governance in Spanish towns
  • Elected officials managed municipal affairs
• Indigenous nobility initially retained some local authority under Spanish oversight
  • Gradually lost power and influence over time

Societal Collapse

Demographic Catastrophe

• Massive population decline devastated Aztec society
  • Estimates suggest up to 90% reduction in indigenous population
• Multiple factors contributed to demographic collapse:
  • Warfare and violence during conquest
  • Introduction of Old World diseases (smallpox, measles, typhus)
  • Famine and malnutrition due to disrupted food production
  • Forced labor and harsh working conditions under Spanish rule
• Survivors faced enslavement or coerced labor in encomiendas and mines
  • Many indigenous people relocated to congregaciones or reducciones
• Social structure disrupted as population decline affected all levels of society
  • Nobility lost power and privileges
  • Commoners faced increased burdens and exploitation

Economic Disruption

• Traditional Aztec trade networks collapsed
  • Long-distance trade routes (Tenochtitlan to Maya regions) disrupted
  • Pochteca merchant class lost influence and wealth
• Spanish introduced new economic systems and priorities
  • Focus shifted to extraction of precious metals (gold, silver)
  • European demand for new commodities (cochineal, indigo) altered production
• Indigenous agricultural practices and land use patterns transformed
  • Introduction of European crops and livestock
  • Encomienda and hacienda systems changed land ownership and labor relations
• Tribute system reorganized to benefit Spanish colonizers
  • Goods and labor redirected to support colonial enterprises

Cultural Destruction

Religious and Architectural Devastation

• Systematic destruction of Aztec temples and religious sites
  • Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan demolished and materials used for Spanish buildings
  • Hundreds of local temples throughout the empire razed
• Palaces and administrative buildings repurposed or destroyed
  • Moctezuma's palace site used for construction of viceroy's palace
• Sacred objects and codices burned or looted
  • Loss of valuable historical and cultural records
• Spanish colonial architecture replaced Aztec urban planning
  • Grid system imposed on Tenochtitlan's ruins
  • European-style churches and government buildings constructed

Forced Cultural Assimilation

• Aggressive Catholic conversion efforts targeted Aztec religious practices
  • Franciscan, Dominican, and Augustinian friars led missionary activities
  • Indigenous religious leaders persecuted or co-opted
• Traditional Aztec education system (calmecac and telpochcalli) dismantled
  • Spanish-run schools for indigenous nobility established
  • Focus on Christian doctrine and European cultural norms
• Nahuatl language suppressed in official contexts
  • Spanish imposed as language of administration and elite communication
• Aztec calendar system and timekeeping practices abandoned
  • Gregorian calendar and European concepts of time introduced
• Traditional dress, hairstyles, and personal adornments discouraged or banned
  • European clothing styles promoted among indigenous populations