Question

to defeat the aztec empire?
the aztecs believed cortes was a god.

Explanation:

To determine how Hernán de Cortés and his men were able to defeat the Aztec Empire, we analyze key factors:

1. Misidentification as a God: The Aztecs, particularly Emperor Montezuma II, initially believed Cortés might be the god Quetzalcoatl returning (due to prophecies and Cortés' arrival timing, appearance with horses/guns, which were new to Aztecs). This led to the Aztecs not immediately attacking and even offering gifts, giving Cortés time to strategize.
2. Alliances with Rival Groups: Cortés allied with Aztec enemies like the Tlaxcalans, who resented Aztec dominance (e.g., tribute, human sacrifice). These groups provided warriors, local knowledge, and support in battles.
3. Superior Technology/Weapons: Spanish had steel swords, armor, guns, and horses (Aztecs had obsidian weapons, no horses/metal armor). Horses gave mobility/shock value, guns/steel overwhelmed Aztec defenses.
4. Disease (Smallpox): European diseases (especially smallpox) spread rapidly among Aztecs, who had no immunity. This decimated their population, including leaders and warriors, weakening their ability to fight.
5. Internal Strife/Political Miscalculations: Montezuma's initial indecision (due to the god belief) and later capture, along with power struggles after his death, fragmented Aztec leadership and resistance.

Among the options (one visible is "The Aztecs believed Cortes was a god"), this is a critical factor. The Aztec belief that Cortés was Quetzalcoatl (or a divine figure) made them hesitant to attack, allowing Cortés to gain a foothold, form alliances, and eventually strike.

Answer:

The Aztecs believed Cortes was a god. (This was a key factor as it led to initial Aztec hesitation, gift - giving, and lack of immediate military action, enabling Cortés to build alliances, gather resources, and ultimately defeat the Aztecs with the help of other factors like alliances, technology, and disease.)