Why did the Cholula Massacre occur?

The Cholula Massacre occurred in 1519 when Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, fearing a potential uprising from the indigenous city of Cholula, ordered a preemptive strike against its inhabitants. The massacre was partly fueled by Cortés's desire to assert dominance and prevent any coordinated resistance to his expedition. Additionally, the Spanish sought to establish control over the region and demonstrate their military power to other indigenous groups. This brutal event resulted in the deaths of thousands of Cholulans and solidified Spanish authority in Mexico.