Educating students about multiple perspectives is key when teaching Social Studies. Upper elementary students learn about the European Explorer and Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes without learning much about the powerful Aztec emperor Moctezuma and the perspective of the indigenous people of Mexico.
When teaching students about Hernan Cortes it is imperative to also include in your lesson information about the Aztecs, the Indigenous people of Mexico. You will want to highlight how the Aztec Empire was a sophisticated and powerful Mesoamerican civilization. They were known for their advanced architecture, intricate agricultural techniques, and culture.
Who Was Moctezuma?
Montezuma ruled the Aztec Empire from 1502 to 1520. Under his leadership, the Aztec Empire expanded its territory through conquest and alliances, reaching its greatest size. He reigned with significant authority and is often depicted as a powerful and influential leader.
Moctezuma was considered not only a political leader but also a religious figure. He played a crucial role in the Aztec religion, overseeing various ceremonies and rituals dedicated to the Aztec gods.
He is best known for his encounter with Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, which ultimately led to his capture and the downfall of the Aztec Empire. Moctezuma’s legacy is marked by his powerful reign and the tragic consequences of European colonization on his people.
Who Was Hernan Cortes?
Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador known for his expedition that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Arriving in Mexico in 1519, he formed alliances with indigenous groups and ultimately captured Moctezuma.
Cortes claimed large territories for Spain, significantly expanding Spanish influence in the Americas. His actions had profound and lasting impacts on indigenous populations and the course of history in the region.
What Textbooks Don’t Teach About Moctezuma?
When we teach students about European Explorers, Hernan Cortes is one explorer who is often mentioned and included in most textbooks. Unfortunately, most books don’t discuss the different perspectives of the encounter between Hernan Cortes and Moctezuma.
The Importance of Teaching Aztec Perspectives in European Exploration
When teaching students about European Explorers, it’s important to include the perspective of the indigenous people of that time. Most Social Studies books teach students about the conquest of Hernan Cortes without highlighting the incredible civilization of the Aztecs.
The Aztec empire is underappreciated and students need to know about this incredible civilization. When you are teaching your students about Hernan Cortes’ during your European Explorer unit, you want to emphasize that the Aztecs were a sophisticated civilization with large cities and a strong government.
Why Teach Students about Moctezuma’s Legacy and the Aztec Perspective
Cultural Enrichment
Learning about the Moctezuma introduces students to a world of cultural diversity. Many Social Studies textbooks don’t highlight what a great city Tenochtitlan (the capital of Mexico) was.
We do a disservice to students when we focus our instruction more on Hernan Cortes as opposed to Moctezuma, who was emperor of the Aztecs. From their advanced knowledge of architecture to their technology in agriculture, learning about the Aztecs allows students to see how developed their civilization was.
Empathy and Respect
While learning about the conquest of Moctezuma by Hernan Cortes, encourage your students to empathize with the Aztecs and think about how European colonization changed their way of life. This will allow your students to have respect and understanding of the Aztecs, and to understand the impact of colonialism. Fostering this respect is the best way to teach children about Indigenous history.
Historical Context
Teaching your students about the Aztecs will provide historical context so students understand the events leading to the fall of the Aztec Empire. Technological disparities and the devastating impact of diseases introduced by the Europeans both contributed to the fall of the Aztec empire.
Multiple Perspectives
Students need to learn about the variety of perspectives when learning about European conquests. Ask them to think about the viewpoints of the Aztecs and the Spanish, and consider the motivations behind the European Explorers. What were the long-term consequences, on not just the Aztecs, but other Indigenous populations in Mexico?
What’s the Best Resource to Teach about Moctezuma and Hernan Cortes?
The best resource to use to teach your students about Moctezuma and Hernan Cortes is Readers Theater. I find that Readers Theater is the most engaging way that allows your students to have some fun.
If you need a Reader Theater resource to teach your students about Hernan Cortes and Moctezuma, I have one in my store that your students will love.
Even though this skit is funny, it teaches students multiple perspectives, cultural appreciation, and inspires empathy and respect for Aztecs. Your students will get a new perspective of the Aztecs with my Readers Theater, which your Social Studies book leaves out.
The bonus is that your students will get fluency practice while reading the skits and developing vocabulary. This is especially important for your EL learners.
Looking for an engaging Readers Theater about European Exploration? Grab my FREE Ferdinand Magellan skit.
Final Thoughts
Teaching students about the Indigenous people of Mexico, the Aztecs, and the conquest of Moctezuma by Hernan Cortes allows you to teach students: multiple perspectives cultural appreciation empathy, and respect for Indigenous people. You got this! Giselle
Save for later! Click on the image and save it to your teacher’s Pinterest board! 📌📌📌
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