Cortes and the Fall of the Aztec Empire Slideshow Presentation
Looking for an engaging, ready-to-use resource to help your students dive into early exploration and conquest in the Americas? This 18-slide presentation on Hernán Cortés offers a comprehensive overview of one of the most pivotal, and controversial, figures of the Age of Exploration. Perfect for sparking critical thinking and classroom discussion, this resource explores the life, achievements, and lasting impact of Cortés in a way that’s accessible and thought-provoking for students.
What’s Included:
A 18-slide PowerPoint presentation (or Google Slides-compatible) covering:
Background on Hernán Cortés’s early life
His journey to the Americas
The conquest of the Aztec Empire
Key events and turning points in his expedition
Consequences and legacy of his actions
Thought-provoking discussion prompts
Benefits for Teachers:
No prep required—just download and present
Ideal for classroom instruction, sub plans, or review
Encourages student engagement through clear visuals and concise content
Flexible for whole-group instruction, small-group work, or independent study
Benefits for Students:
Develops historical thinking skills and comprehension
Builds understanding of cause and effect in world history
Promotes discussion around historical impact and moral complexity
Supports note-taking, critical thinking, and content retention
Curriculum Fit:
This presentation is a great fit for:
Middle school and early high school social studies or world history classes
Units covering the Age of Exploration, the Spanish Conquest, or Colonial Latin America