The Aztecs After Cortes

• ​In 1521 the Spanish conquered the Aztecs.

• ​The Spanish destroyed Aztec temples and buildings.

After conquering the Aztecs, Cortes renamed the city of Tenochtitlan to Mexico City. The city became the Spanish capital of the territory which was called New Spain. Cortes was named governor of the land by King Charles I of Spain.

• ​After the Aztecs were conquered, Mexico became a colony of Spain

• ​Spaniards owned the land.

• ​Native Americans were forced to work on the land.

• ​Native Americans had no power, wealth or rights.

• ​Because the Spanish took control of the Aztec's land in Mexico, the main language eventually became Spanish.

• ​Today over 90% of the people living in Mexico speak Spanish.

• ​In 1821 Mexico became independent from Spain

• ​Mexico's flag shows an eagle holding a snake.

• ​Mexico gets its name from the Aztecs -- Another name for the Aztecs was Mexica

• ​Aztec ruins still exist

• ​one million Mexicans speak Nahuatl -- the language of the Aztecs.