The capture of Tenochtitlan marked the culmination of Hernán Cortés’s campaign against the Aztec Empire, which began in 1519. Following initial contact and the eventual alliance with various indigenous groups disenchanted with Aztec rule, Cortés led his forces to assault Tenochtitlan, the heart of the Aztec civilization. The siege of the city began in May 1521 and lasted for nearly three months, during which time the Aztecs, led by their king Cuauhtémoc, mounted a valiant defense against the Spaniards.

Despite their fierce resistance, the Aztecs faced insurmountable challenges including a devastating smallpox epidemic that severely weakened their ranks. The Spanish forces, supplemented by indigenous allies, launched relentless attacks, cutting off crucial supplies and making it impossible for the defenders to maintain their strength. On August 13, 1521, after a final assault, Cortés and his troops breached the defenses, leading to a dramatic confrontation that resulted in Cuauhtémoc’s capture as well as the ultimate downfall of the city.

The capture of Tenochtitlan ignited significant political and social upheaval, leading to the full subjugation of the Aztec Empire. Cortés would later oversee the restructuring of the city, renaming it Mexico City and laying the foundations for Spanish colonial rule in Mesoamerica. This event not only symbolized the fall of an empire but also the beginning of an era characterized by profound cultural and demographic shifts in the Americas, driven by European colonization.