|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Had the Aztecs seized the opportunity to engage the Spaniards in open and sustained battle, they might still have possessed the numerical superiority to overwhelm them. But they did not, for several reasons. First, as discussed, Spanish horses, tactics, and weaponry placed the Aztecs in a vulnerable position in frontal assaults on open terrain. Second, through a combination of threats and reprisals the Spaniards had augmented their own allies and decreased or cut off many of Tenochtitlan's, so the Aztecs' numerical superiority was seriously eroding. Third, simply occupying a defensive position while the enemy exhausted its logistical support was a traditional Mesoamerican response. But the superiority of the Aztecs' defensive position was undercut because the offensive fell during the agricultural cycle, Aztec tribute had been diverted in an effort to shore up poorly consolidated support, and the Spaniards were willing to plunder vanquished towns. Nevertheless, stalling was in the Aztecs' immediate interest, since each day that passed without a Spanish victory increased the likelihood that the Spaniards' allies would fade away and that the Aztecs would be reinforced from outside. Fourth, and perhaps conclusive, with disobedience widespread throughout even the heartland of the empire, dispatching an army from Tenochtitlan was exceptionally dangerous. If the Aztecs advanced on the Spaniards, Tenochtitlan would be left open to attack by others, which, if successful, would result in an Aztec defeat regardless of their tactical success in the field. Under these conditions no all-out preemptive assault was undertaken against the Spaniards by mainline forces from Tenochtitlan. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Having converted many potential enemies into allies, the Spaniards mounted attacks against neighboring cities from Tetzcoco, although not all of these were successful. Twelve days after their reception in Tetzcoco, for example, the Spaniards and their Tlaxcaltec allies failed to subdue Ixtlapalapan. The Ixtlapalapanecs deliberately drew the Spaniards and their allies into the city and then broke the dikes that kept the lake water out of the low-lying town. It was immediately flooded, and the attackers were forced back, narrowly escaping annihilation.
40 Cortés also struck to the north, marching against Xaltocan, which he failed to conquer.41 But these setbacks did not prevent cities such as Otompan and Mizquic from seeking Spanish alliances. The Spaniards also freed several friendly towns, defeating the Aztecs stationed in Chalco, Tlalmanalco, and their dependencies.42 But the struggle for control was not easily won, and the |
|
|
|
|
|