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
Other

Timeline Index: Cortez, Conqueror of Mexico 1519

For Students 6th - 8th
A chronology of the life of Hernando Cortez up to the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs.
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...
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Clavigero's Map of Mexico, 1521

For Students 9th - 10th
A facsimile of a map by Francisco Saverio Clavigero (1780) of central Mexico in 1521, showing the Aztec dominion during the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan. The map shows the territorial divisions and native cities at the time.
Website
Instituto Latinoamericano de la Comunicacion Educativa

Red Escolar: La Noche Triste

For Students 9th - 10th
In Spanish. Reading fragments of three different authors: Fernado de Alva Ixtlixochitl, Fray Diego Duran and Bernal Diaz del Castillo. Learn about one of the episodes of the conquest of Mexico known as "Sad Night".
Handout
Other

History of the World the Aztecs

For Students 9th - 10th
A history of the Aztec civilization, beginning with their travel to the valley of Mexico and ending with the conquest of the Spanish over them. Includes information about agriculture, travel, communication, war, religion, and human...
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...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Atrial Cross at Acolman

For Students 9th - 10th
The Atrial Cross at Acolman offers a fascinating look into the interactions between Spanish friars and Nahua converts in the years directly following the conquest of Mexico. View pictures and descriptions of the cross and the Augustinian...
Primary
PBS

New Perspectives on the West: The Pueblo Revolt

For Students 9th - 10th
From the PBS series "The West," comes this letter from Don Antonio de Otermin, the governor of New Mexico during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. This unique first hand account does come with a certain amount of bias, as it was written by one...
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Mexico City and Vicinity, 1580

For Students 9th - 10th
A facsimile of a map by Saverio Clavigero (1780) of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) and vicinity around the time of the Spanish conquest in 1519. This map, according to William H. Prescott (History of the Conquest of Mexico, 1876), defies...
Website
CZBrats

Cz Brats: Panama Before Bastides, Columbus, and Balboa

For Students 9th - 10th
This page is an article about the Pre-Colombian period of Panamanian History. "Prior to the Conquest of Central America, Mexico, and Peru, Great Civilizations in the Americas had developed high cultural values."
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Bernardino De Sahagun and Collaborators, Florentine Codex

For Students 9th - 10th
The Florentine Codex contains an unparalleled wealth of information regarding the people and culture of central Mexico immediately preceding the Conquest and its discussion of the Conquest itself. View pictures and descriptions of the...
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Pedro De Alvarado

For Students 9th - 10th
(1495-1541) Spanish conquistador who was second command to Hernan Cortes during the conquest of Mexico.