The conquest of Mexico: A study of the religious and technological forces involved in the Spanish conquest of the Mexica

This study investigated the religious and technological forces involved in the Spanish conquest of the Mexica by researching and comparing contemporary Mexica and Spanish sources as well as the work of scholars from North America, Central America, and Europe. The combat strategies of the Mexica emphasized the capture of victims for sacrifice. Montezuma was late to react to the arrival of the Spanish because of his belief that it coincided with the predicted return of the god Quetzalcoatl. The Spanish, inspired by the belief that theirs was a holy crusade to extend the domain of Christendom, were determined to continue in their efforts to conquer the Mexica. The steel sword and the small fleet of brigantines used by the Spanish, when brought to bear against the weaponry and combat tactics of the Mexica, played a key role in the Conquest.