Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: Hernan Cortes and the Fall of the Aztec Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the fall of the Aztec Empire. You can use the navigation tool at the left to click into more information on the Aztecs and the Spanish conquest of Cortes. Uses popups.
Website
University of Calgary

University of Calgary: Hernando Cortes Exploration

For Students 9th - 10th
This account of "The Conquest of the Aztec Empire" tells the story of Cortes' encounter with the Aztecs and the fall of the empire.
Website
University of California

University of California at San Diego: Aztec Chronology

For Students 9th - 10th
An extremely detailed chronology of the Aztecs and their predecessors, stretching from 600 AD to 1521, their conquest by the Spaniards. Scroll to the end to find a genealogical chart of the Aztec royal house.
Primary
Cengage Learning

The Earth and Its People: Cortes on the Aztecs: Two Letters to Charles V

For Students 9th - 10th
This site demonstrates the impression that native Mexican people made on Hernando Cortes during his conquest. Includes good discussion questions.
Unit Plan
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Hernando Cortes 1485 1547

For Students 5th - 7th
Furnished is a brief summary of the life and explorations of Spanish explorer, Hernando Cortes. Take a look at the photos and maps of his journey of what today is called Mexico.
Primary
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Hernan Cortes

For Students 9th - 10th
Fordham University gives the text of Cortes' second letter to King Charles V, describing the Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlan, and the people who lived there.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Online Exhibition: The Cultures and History of the Americas

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine some of the rare books, maps, prints and other artifacts in this online exhibition. The exhibition explores several themes on the cultures and history of the Americas. The collection focuses on the period of pre-contact through...
Handout
PBS

Pbs: The Conquistadors: Aztec Life and Times

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about what life was like for the Aztecs before the Spanish Conquest. This is part of a larger PBS site about the conquistadors.
Handout
PBS

Pbs: The Conquistadors: Aztec Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the development of the Aztec Empire and its status just before the Spanish Conquest. Click on the hyperlinks or pictures for more information. From part of an extensive PBS website about the Conquistadors.
Primary
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: An Aztec Account of the Spanish Conquest

For Students 9th - 10th
Fordham University provides an excerpt of an Aztec account of the initial encounter of Montezuma and the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes, as published by noted anthropologist Miguel Leon-Portilla. The meeting-turned-massacre,...
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
A huge website that provides a virtual field trip exploring the Spanish adventurers who quested for gold and land in the New World. The site has information on Pizarro, Orellana, Cabeza de Vaca, Cortes as well as extensive information...
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Moctezuma Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
Under Moctezuma, the Aztec empire was strong and expanded its borders. However, when the Spanish arrived, their superior power and weapons enabled them to conquer the Aztecs. Read about Moctezuma's life, his interactions with the Spanish...
Handout
Siteseen

Siteseen: Land of the Brave: Hernando Cortes Facts

For Students 9th - 10th
Interesting biographical facts on the life of Hernando Cortes, the man who conquered the Aztec empire.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Explorers for Kids: Hernan Cortes

For Students 1st - 9th
Investigate the biography and life of Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernan Cortes. Read about how he conquered the Aztec Empire.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Aztec Empire for Kids: Spanish Conquest

For Students 9th - 10th
Kids learn about the Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire including Hernan Cortes and Montezuma II on this site.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Mexico History and Timeline Overview

For Students 3rd - 8th
Kids learn about the history and timeline of the country of Mexico including the Aztecs, Mayan, Spanish explorers, Cortes, the Mexican Revolution, and independence from Spain on this website.
Handout
San Jose State University

San Jose State University: Conquest of the Cities of Gold: Europe's Interactions

For Students 6th - 8th
The arrival of Hernan Cortez in Mexico, his encounters with the Aztec ruler Montezuma II and the Spanish defeat of the Aztecs are described.
Handout
Other

Traditions of Mexico: El Dia De Los Muertos

For Students 9th - 10th
The story of "El Dia de los Muertos" (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico, with emphasis on the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, the blending of Spanish and native Mexican cultures, and even American influence upon this Mexican tradition.
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Cortes in Mexico, 1519

For Students 9th - 10th
A map showing the expedition of Hernan Cortes in 1519. This expedition was the third to the mainland and took him all the way into Mexico. This map shows the route from the Battle of Cintla (Tabasco) to Veracruz (Villa Rica de la Vera...
Handout
Other

Different World's Travel Guide to the Zocalo in Mexico City

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about and view images of the Zocalo in Mexico City.
Activity
Study Languages

Study Spanish: Los Conquistadores

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource on Spanish conquistadors focuses on Cortes, Alvarado and Pizarro. Additional links are provided for more information on this topic. Great reading selection for beginning and intermediate Spanish students.
Website
Mex Connect

Mexconnect: Mexico's Colonial Era

For Students 9th - 10th
The situation in Mexico in the 16th century, after the conquest. This brief site discusses Hernan Cortes, and the territorial expansion that characterized this time in Mexico's history.