The Aztecs Forge an Empire
Analyze how Aztec leader Itzcoatl formed the Triple Alliance in 1428 and used tribute warfare to forge a powerful empire across central Mexico in Grade 7 history.
Key Concepts
The city of Tenochtitlán grew strong, but the Aztecs were still under the control of the powerful Tepanec kingdom . To gain their freedom, the Aztec leader Itzcoatl looked for allies.
In 1428 C.E., Tenochtitlán joined with two other city states, Texcoco and Tlacopan. Together, they formed the Triple Alliance and defeated the Tepanecs in a major war.
Common Questions
How did the Aztecs win independence from the Tepanec kingdom?
The Aztecs were initially under the control of the powerful Tepanec kingdom. Leader Itzcoatl forged an alliance with two other city-states—Texcoco and Tlacopan—creating the Triple Alliance in 1428. Together they defeated the Tepanecs, freeing the Aztecs and launching their own empire-building campaign.
What was the Triple Alliance and how did it help build the Aztec Empire?
The Triple Alliance was a military coalition between Tenochtitlán, Texcoco, and Tlacopan formed in 1428. By pooling military resources, the three city-states defeated their common enemies and then launched a campaign of conquest, demanding tribute from defeated peoples that made the empire enormously wealthy.
How did the Aztecs maintain control over their conquered territories?
The Aztecs primarily maintained control through tribute systems—conquered peoples paid regular payments of goods, food, and people to Tenochtitlán. Rather than direct rule of all territories, the Aztecs allowed local rulers to remain in place as long as tribute flowed, which kept the empire manageable but also created resentment.