Select all choices that apply. mark the statement if it describes an event that contributed to the decline of the aztec empire. a. the aztecs welcomed the spanish with gifts. b. the spanish took moctezuma prisoner. c. cortés gave up his desire for more gold. d. smallpox weakened the aztecs’ ability to resist e. the location of the aztec capital made trade difficult.

B, D, E are all applicable answers. Moctezuma's kidnapping forced Aztecs to beg and pay for years. Spanish disease diminished the Aztec population tremendously, since they have never encountered it and they do not know the medicine for treating it. Trade is the most one of the most important factors in determining a nation/empire's power. If trade was difficult, than of course its economical power would not be high, therefore the decline of the Aztec empire would commence.