What happened between the Spanish and Aztecs?

The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes failed in his first attempt to control the Aztecs in 1520, after having defeated then allied with another Spanish force. He fled after taking Mocteczuma hostage and then killing him. He returned in 1521 and with the help of rival Tlaxcalan tribes took the city of Tenochtitlan (now part of Mexico City).

Initially, Cortes had taken control of the Mayan region of Yucatan, and established a settlement at Veracruz. To prevent his men from deserting, he scuttled his ships.