What were the key factors that let to successful Spanish conquest of Mexico?

The Spanish conquistadors had a clear advantage in terms of weaponry used including metal armor, swords steel swords, crossbows, and firearms such as muskets. They also employed military tactics and strategies that were more advanced when compared to the Aztec armies, such as employing cavalry and using gunpowder weapons on the battlefield.

2. Political Division within Aztec Empire

At the time of Spanish arrival, the Aztec empire was facing several political conflicts and division among different city-states and tribal groups that the Aztecs had conquered and ruled over. Some of the native groups saw an opportunity to ally themselves with the Spanish in order to gain independence from Aztec rule.

3. Impact of Diseases

The arrival of the Europeans brought with them contagious diseases such as smallpox and measles that were unknown in the Americas. These diseases spread rapidly through the native populations devastated entire communities, including significant numbers of Aztec soldiers and leaders, further weakening their ability to resist the Spanish.

4. Hernan Cortes' Leadership

Hernan Cortes, the leader of Spanish expedition, demonstrated both military and strategic skills during the conquest. He was able to form alliances with native groups, exploit Aztec weaknesses and effectively manage his forces in battle. Cortes' leadership played a crucial role in achieving several key victories and maintaining the momentum of the conquest.

5. Montezuma's Mistaken Beliefs and Hesitation

The Aztec emperor Montezuma II initially took a cautious approach to confront the Spanish, and some of his actions were interpreted by the Spanish as showing weakness. The Aztecs also held religious beliefs that contributed to their initial hesitation, as they saw omens and prophecies that they interpreted as bad signs but Spanish arrival.

6. Capture and Deaths of Aztec Leaders

The Spanish were able to capture Montezuma which had a significant demoralizing effects on the Aztec forces and caused disorganization within the empire. Later on, during what is known as "La Noche Triste", the Aztecs managed to drive the Spanish out but in the process, Montezuma dies which further decreased Aztec morale.

7. Arrival of Reinforcements

Cortes received reinforcements from a fellow conquistador, Panfilo de Narvaez, which strength his forces and allowed him to relaunch the attack on Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. These reinforcements provided additional troops, supplies, and horses which were crucial for the final victory.

Ultimately, the successful Spanish conquest were the result of a combination of their superior military technology, alliances with indigenous groups, the impact of diseases, the leadership of Hernan Cortes, and the political divisions and challenges faced by the Aztec empire.