The Aztecs remained neutral for 91 years, remodeling their empire on the European nations. Meanwhile, the Spanish were failing a disastrous war with England in 1588, and were low on wealth. The defeat by the Aztecs still ate away at them and finally in the early 17th century, the decision was made by the Spanish king Philip III to gather a vast army and destroy the Aztecs once and for all. The fleet of 45 ships left Spain for Cuba in August 1611, and reached Cuba in November 1611. A great deal of the Spanish armed forces was mustered, 9000 men, 200 cannons, and 300 horsemen landed at exactly the same spot Cortes landed 91 years earlier. Aztec scouts spotted the army three days later and the news spread to Tenochtitlan. The Aztec army quickly mustered their forces to defend the capital. The