GCSE History B OCR
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68 topics in 13 modules
☑️ Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519-1535 5 topics
- Moctezuma's Empire
- Controlling the Empire
- Encounters
- Conquest, 1519-1521
- The birth of New Spain
☑️ Britain in Peace and War, 1900-1918 5 topics
- Wealth
- Politics
- Women
- Empire
- War
☑️ Crime and Punishment, c.1250 to present 4 topics
- Medieval Britain c.1250-c.1500
- Early Modern Britain c.1500-c.1750
- Industrial Britain, c.1750-c.1900
- Britain since c. 1900
☑️ History Around Us 11 topics
- Understanding the chosen site in its historical context
- Local, regional and national history
- Continuity and change over time
- Using sources as evidence
- Diversity of societies
- Historic environment
- Understanding significance and interpretation in history
- Chronological understanding
- Similarities and differences between different periods
- Events, individuals, and developments in their historical context
- Concepts of cause and consequence, continuity and change, similarity, difference, and significance in relation to the site
☑️ Living under Nazi Rule, 1933-1945 5 topics
- Dictatorship
- Control and Opposition, 1933-1939
- Changing Lives, 1933-1939
- Germany in War
- Occupation
☑️ Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to present 4 topics
- Medieval Britain c.1250-c.1500
- Early Modern Britain c.1500-c.1750
- Industrial Britain, c.1750-c.1900
- Britain since c. 1900
☑️ The Elizabethans, 1580-1603 5 topics
- Elizabeth and government
- Catholics
- Daily lives
- Popular culture
- The wider world
☑️ The First Crusade, c.1070-1100 5 topics
- Origins c.1070-1095
- Responses November 1095 to December 1096
- Into Asia Minor December 1096 to October 1097
- Antioch October 1097 to June 1098
- Jerusalem, July 1098 to July 1100
☑️ The Making of America, 1789-1900 5 topics
- America's expansion 1789-1838
- The West 1839-1860
- Civil War and Reconstruction 1861-1877
- Settlement and conflict on the Plains 1861-1877
- American cultures 1877-1900
☑️ The Mughal Empire, 1526-1707 5 topics
- The First Mughal Emperors, 1526-1556
- Akbar, 1556-1605
- Jahangir, 1605-1627
- Shah Jahan, 1627-1658
- Aurangzeb 1658-1707
☑️ The Norman Conquest, 1065-1087 5 topics
- England on the eve of the conquest
- Invasion and victory
- Resistance and response
- Castles
- Conquest and control
☑️ The People's Health c1250-present 4 topics
- Medieval Britain c.1250-c.1500
- Early Modern Britain c.1500-c.1750
- Industrial Britain, c.1750-c.1900
- Britain since c. 1900
☑️ Viking Expansion, c.750-c.1050 5 topics
- Homelands
- Volga Vikings
- Raiders and Invaders
- Settlers
- Kings
GCSE History B OCR Revision Content
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GCSE History B OCR - Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519-1535 - Moctezuma's Empire Content Preview
Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519-1535
Moctezuma's Empire
Moctezuma II's Reign and Rule
- Moctezuma II ruled the Aztec Empire from 1502 until 1520, from the capital city of Tenochtitlan.
- Moctezuma's rule witnessed an expansion of the Aztec Empire, showing signs of a strong and decisive leader. Technological development, military conquests and diplomatic alliances strengthened the empire’s reach and influence.
- Despite being the emperor, he was not the absolute ruler. His power was somewhat limited by the advice from a council of nobles and warriors, manifesting a form of limited monarchy.
- His reign had a strong emphasis on religion. He believed he was appointed by the gods and was responsible for pleasing them through rituals and sacrifices. This conviction led to an increase in human sacrifice during his rule.
Economic and Social Structure
- The Empire was divided into provinces which were ruled by local governors. However, these provinces paid tributes to Tenochtitlán.
- Aztec society was hierarchical. Nobles and priests were at the top, followed by warriors, merchants, artisans and farmers, and then slaves.
- There was possible upward mobility for warriors and merchants based on merit - a warrior could rise through the ranks due to bravery or a merchant could gain status through wealth.
Religion and Culture
- The Aztecs followed a polytheistic religion, worshipping a diverse range of gods. The sun god, Huitzilopochtli, was among the most important, whom they appeased with human sacrifice.
- Religion permeated all aspects of Aztec life, with various festivals and rituals held throughout the year.
- Education was also a crucial facet of Aztec society. All boys received education in schools, while the upbringing of girls was often left to the women in the family.
Relations with Neighbouring Civilisations
- The Aztecs maintained diplomatic ties with some surrounding tribes, but often forced others into paying tribute.
- There were frequent conflicts with neighbouring city-states and tribes, the Tlaxcalan being the most significant. Such conflicts led to the beginning of the empire’s fall with these city-states allying with the Spanish.
Question: How did Moctezuma II's belief in his appointment by the gods influence socio-political practices during his reign?
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