Question

why was the aztec empire vulnerable to conquest by the spanish in the early 1500s? choose 1 answer: a the empire fell into disorder after emperor moctezuma ii was killed in battle. b neighboring groups disliked aztec rule and chose to fight alongside the spanish. c the spanish brought large armies that outnumbered the aztec warriors and their allies. d the spanish sneaked into tenochtitlán hidden inside baskets and wagons.

Explanation:

• Option A: Moctezuma II was killed during the conflict, but the empire's vulnerability was more due to external allies against it, not just his death's immediate disorder.
• Option B: Neighboring groups (like the Tlaxcalans) resented Aztec tribute and human - sacrifice demands. They allied with the Spanish, which was a key factor in the Aztec Empire's vulnerability as it reduced the Aztec's military strength and support.
• Option C: The Spanish had relatively small armies, and the Aztec and their allies were more in number. So this is incorrect.
• Option D: There is no historical evidence of the Spanish sneaking into Tenochtitlán in this way.

Answer:

B. Neighboring groups disliked Aztec rule and chose to fight alongside the Spanish.