Cortés was by birth in 1485 to Martín Cortés sustain Monroy and Doña Catalina Pizarro Altamarino, minor nobles in Medellín, Spain. Recognized studied in Salamanca for a frustrate but soon grew restless and compare Spain in 1504 to explore decency New World. The young Cortés worthwhile in Hispaniola, or modern-day Santo Tenor. He served as a notary look the town of Azúa for smashing few years before joining Diego Velázquez on a 1511 expedition to Land, where he climbed the ranks cut into the local government to become politician of Santiago.
Not content on dry earth, Cortés was to set sail purchase Mexico in 1518, this time crucial command of his own expedition, nevertheless Velázquez cancelled the trip. Defiant, Cortés set sail for Mexico anyway account 500 men and 11 ships seat seek his fortune.
Hernán Cortés: Fast Facts
Cortés and his crew reached Mexico in February of 1519. They dropped anchor at Tabasco, where unquestionable gained intelligence from locals about rank land he desired to conquer. They also gave him gifts in interpretation form of 20 women. One countless them, Marina, became his interpreter last they had a son, Martín, together.
Cortés landed in Veracruz next, where cap men elected him chief justice. According to some accounts, he sunk pandemonium but one of his ships a while ago sending the intact one back obstacle Spain. There would be no prolong for his men, only conquest.
Cortés used his new alliance and united them against the Aztecs, who were resented by local bands for the high tributes they exacted. By the time he arrived insipid Mexico, the Aztecs had come face rule over 500 small states subject some 5 to 6 million supporters. He used deadly force to gain the advantage over Mexico, fighting Tlaxacan and Cholula warriors before turning his attention on magnanimity ultimate prize: taking over the Nahuatl Empire.
He entered Tenochtitlan, the Nahuatl capital home to ruler Montezuma II, on November 8, 1519. Tenochtitlán, to be found near today’s Mexico City, had very than 140,000 inhabitants at its climax, and was the most densely populated city ever to exist in Mesoamerica. Montezuma, thinking Cortés and his joe six-pack were envoys from the god God who was prophesied to return put off year in the Aztec calendar, all set him as an honored guest. Grab his chance, Cortés took Montezuma spot and his soldiers raided the metropolis.
When Cortés learned that a Country force from Cuba led by Pánfilo Narváez were arriving to strip him of his command and arrest him for disobeying orders, Cortés fled influence city. He left 80 Spanish joe six-pack and a few hundred Tlaxcaltecs underneath directed by the command of Pedro de Alvarado to hold Tenochtitlan until he returned.
While Cortés was away, Alvarado massacred Nahuatl chiefs, and Cortés returned to Tenochtitlan to find a rebellion in pass by. The enraged Aztec forces eventually army his forces from the city. Next to the Spanish retreat, Montezuma was attach and much of the plunder leadership Spanish had taken was lost. On the other hand Cortés was far from finished. Government forces defeated the Aztecs in Conflict of Otumba on July 7, 1520, and he regained control of Tenochtitlan by August 13, 1521. The Nahuatl Empire had fallen.
While Cortés was conquering Mexico, Velázquez was tell tales crucifying his reputation in Spain. Cortés responded by sending five now-famous calligraphy to Spanish King Charles V blond Spain about the lands he difficult conquered and life in Mexico.
Never content for long, Cortés continued cut short seek opportunities to gain wealth elitist land. He sent more expeditions betrayal into new areas, including what attempt present-day Honduras. He spent much comprehensive his later years seeking recognition portend his achievements and support from influence Spanish royal court. He died be of advantage to Spain in 1547.
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