How did Cortes defeat montezuma II?

Hernán Cortés defeated Montezuma II through a combination of military strategy, alliances with rival indigenous tribes, and psychological tactics. After initially capturing Montezuma, Cortés leveraged the emperor's status to manipulate the Aztecs and create confusion among their ranks. The Spanish forces, supported by indigenous allies who resented Aztec rule, were able to exploit internal divisions and ultimately overpower the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. The siege, exacerbated by smallpox and resource shortages, led to the fall of the city and the end of Aztec dominance.