Moctezuma He organized the Empire in various provinces, created a solid central administration and regulated the tax system, increasing taxes in the conquered peoples to keep in Tenochtitlán.
Between 1508 and 1517, Moctezuma He managed to conquer around 450 populations, which included about 48 large cities for the time. Once conquered, Etas became tributary with economic and people contributions for their human sacrifices in honor of their gods.
However, before the arrival of Hernán Cortés And the Spaniards in 1520, the period of Moctezuma saw the decline of Tenochtitlán. Although he tried to contain foreigners through gifts, they advanced towards the great city allying with the enemies of the Mexicans.
After the killing of the main temple, Hernán Cortés demanded at Moctezuma that will reassure his people. He asked that Cuitláhuac be released, however, when he was free, this warrior headed the uprising and thus began a series of clashes between Spaniards and Mexica, facts that led to the fall of Tenochtitlán.
Among these clashes, is the Sad nightthe defeat suffered by the Mexica at the hands of the Spanish soldiers and their allies Tlaxcaltecas, on the night of June 30 to July 1, 1520, devised by Cuitláhuac, brother of Moctezuma.
When dying MoctezumaCuitláhuac went up to power, but died shortly because of smallpox for what was replaced by Cuauhtémoc. However, on August 13, 1521 Cuauhtémoc was captured, which meant the Tenochtitlán's definitive fall In the hands of the Spaniards.