Question

Which statements describe an event that contributed to the decline of the Aztec Empire? Choose all answers that are correct. Question 2 options: Cortés gave up his desire for more gold. The location of the Aztec capital made trade difficult. The Spanish took Moctezuma prisoner. Smallpox weakened the Aztecs' ability to resist. The Aztecs welcomed the Spanish with gifts.

Answer 1

I know Smallpox weakened the Aztecs' ability to resist, I'm not sure about the others.

Answer 2

Answer:

Option: The Spanish took Moctezuma prisoner.

              Smallpox weakened the Aztecs' ability to resist.

Explanation:

The decline of the Aztec empire resulted in the diseases which the Spaniards brought with them. Aztec people were not immune to diseases like smallpox, influenza, yellow fever, measles, malaria, and chickenpox. After getting contact with the Spanish, Aztec people started getting ill and died. Diseases weakened people, Aztec lost their resistance to Spanish conquistadors. Another reason for the decline of the Aztec empire was the Spanish conquest. By taking Montezuma hostage, Cortes tried to keep the people of Tenochtitlan in line with a puppet-ruler. After Aztec leader Montezuma died,  the Aztec people retaliated and fought with Spanish and were forced to flee from the capital.