Hernán Cortés: The Last of the Crusaders

Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Spain. He was one of the most successful conquistadors in the history of the Spanish Empire.

Cortés was born in Medellín, Spain, in 1485. He was the son of a nobleman and a wealthy merchant. Cortés received a good education and was well-versed in the classics. He also studied law and served as a notary public.

HERNAN CORTES THE LAST OF THE CRUSADERS

by Tabitha Gibson

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Language	:	English
File size	:	577 KB
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In 1504, Cortés sailed to the New World with Nicolás de Ovando, the governor of Hispaniola. Cortés served as a notary public and a secretary to Ovando. He also participated in several military expeditions against the indigenous peoples of Hispaniola.

In 1511, Cortés joined an expedition led by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar to conquer Cuba. Cortés played a leading role in the conquest of Cuba and was rewarded with a large land grant and the governorship of the island.

In 1519, Cortés led an expedition to mainland Mexico. He landed on the coast of Mexico with a force of about 500 men. Cortés and his men marched inland and quickly made alliances with several indigenous groups who were disaffected with the Aztec Empire.

In November 1519, Cortés and his men arrived at the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs were initially surprised by the arrival of the Spaniards, but they quickly rallied and fought back against the invaders. The Spaniards were outnumbered and outgunned, but they were able to defeat the Aztecs and capture their emperor, Moctezuma II.

Cortés and his men occupied Tenochtitlan for several months. During this time, Cortés learned about the Aztec Empire and its vast wealth. He also began to plan for the conquest of the entire empire.

In 1521, the Aztecs revolted against the Spanish. Cortés and his men were forced to flee Tenochtitlan. The Spaniards retreated to the coast, where they were reinforced by a new expedition from Spain. Cortés and his men then returned to Tenochtitlan and besieged the city.

After a three-month siege, the Aztecs were defeated. Cortés and his men entered Tenochtitlan and looted the city. The Aztec Empire was destroyed, and Spain gained control of a vast new territory.

Cortés was rewarded for his conquest of the Aztec Empire with the title of marqués del Valle de Oaxaca. He was also appointed governor of New Spain, the new Spanish colony in Mexico. Cortés ruled New Spain for several years, but he was eventually recalled to Spain by the king.

Cortés returned to Spain in 1540. He was a wealthy and powerful man, but he was also a controversial figure. He was accused of cruelty and greed, and he was eventually stripped of his governorship and his titles.

Cortés died in Spain in 1547. He was buried in the monastery of San Francisco in Madrid.

Hernán Cortés was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant military leader and a ruthless conqueror. He was also a man of ambition and greed. But there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in the history of the Americas.

HERNAN CORTES THE LAST OF THE CRUSADERS

by Tabitha Gibson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	577 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE