So, Moctezuma He became a prisoner and violence climbed to his murder, occupying his place Cuitláhuac. After a month of fights, Cortés and his army They were in poor condition, so they decided plan your escape June 30, 1520.
What was Hernán Cortés' escape plan?
Given that Mexico-Tenochtitlan It was an island, Hernán Cortés He devised a plan along with his troops to get out of the city through a wooden bridge, which was built specifically to cross the water channels.
In this way, the Spaniards Gold, jewelry and valuable belongings packed To flee the night of June 30, 1520, during the celebration of the Tecuilhuitl party to go unnoticed.
However, after advancing a couple of kilometers were Discovered by the Mexicas on the road to the town of Tacuba. It was then that the attack began, destroying the wooden bridge and causing many Spaniards to fall into the water.
According to various sources, around 600 Spaniards died, in addition to a large number of indigenous allies of the conquerors. Thus, the survivors of the attack managed to reach Tacuba to tell the anecdote.
Who and why he cried on the tree in the sad night?
The episode of The sad night It is famous since, according to the popular imaginary, Hernán Cortés He cried his defeat at the foot of a large tree from Ahuehuete, of which there is still an old trunk in Tacuba until today.
Although there are no documentary evidence of this fact, the Bernal Díaz's writings include this episodewhich has become a milestone in the history of Mexico.
What were the consequences of the sad night?
Definitely, The sad night It was the biggest defeat he suffered Hernán Cortés along with his troops. Therefore, this episode marked the story, making it clear that, from there, The fight with the Mexicans would be to death.
Given the failure of diplomacy between Mexica and Spanish, The war was visualized as the only resolution between both sides, which would culminate with the great battle for Mexico-Tenochtitlán which occurred in 1521, leading to the fall of the Aztec Empire.