What was Hernán Cortés known for?

Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés (c. 1485-1547) is best known for conquering the Aztecs and claiming Mexico on behalf of Spain. Cortés (full name Don Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca) first served as a soldier in an expedition of Cuba led by Diego Velázquez in 1511.

What did Cortes do that was important?

Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who explored Central America, overthrew Montezuma and his vast Aztec empire and won Mexico for the crown of Spain.

What Cortes remembered?

Engraving by W. Holl, 1837. ) Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador, or conqueror, best remembered for conquering the Aztec empire in 1521 and claiming Mexico for Spain. He also helped colonize Cuba and became a governor of New Spain.

What did Hernán Cortés discover?

In 1536, Cortés explored the northwestern part of Mexico and discovered the Baja California Peninsula. Cortés also spent time exploring the Pacific coast of Mexico. The Gulf of California was originally named the Sea of Cortés by its discoverer Francisco de Ulloa in 1539. This was the last major expedition by Cortés.

What are 5 facts about Hernán Cortés?

Hernán Cortés - Explorer | Mini Bio | BIO

What did Cortés do to the Aztecs?

Cortés razed Tenochtitlan, building his own capital over its ruins, and proclaimed the Aztec Empire to be New Spain. Soon after the Spanish colonization of Cuba in 1519, a small army led by Hernán Cortés (1485-1547) conquered Mexico from the Aztecs. Cortés first attacked and then made allies of towns.

What did Hernán Cortés do wrong?

In 1504, he followed his dreams westward. Cortés subsequent actions ultimately led to the fall of the Aztec world. By all accounts, he was arrogant, defiant, self-serving, greedy, and generally indifferent to the indigenous people he sought to conquer.

When did Hernán Cortés discover the Aztecs?

And yet Tenochtitlán was conquered by the Spanish in 1521—less than two years after Hernándo Cortés and Spanish conquistadors first set foot in the Aztec capital on November 8, 1519.

Why was Hernando Cortes a hero?

He was a hero in the 16th century, but history remembers him differently. He had many conquests during his life. But he is perhaps most known for his conquer of the Aztec Empire in 1521. He enslaved much of the native population, and many of the indigenous people were wiped out from European diseases such as smallpox.

What did Hernán Cortés want?

He wanted to travel and see new lands. He also wanted to make his fortune and fame. Cortes sailed for the New World in 1504.

Why was Cortés a good leader?

His health improved and he trained as a soldier, taking part in the subjugation of the parts of Hispaniola that had held out against the Spanish. He became known as a good leader, an intelligent administrator, and a ruthless fighter.

How did Cortés treat the natives?

He fought and conquered the local natives. Here and elsewhere, he forced the Indians to convert to Christianity. If they refused, they were killed. The natives were astonished at the Spaniards for more than their powerful army.

Is Hernán Cortés a good guy?

Hernan Cortes has a lot of characteristics of a hero. One of his characteristics is that he was a good leader and he did not let anyone down. He was also very smart. He accomplished making Mexico into colonies.

How did Cortés feel about the Aztecs?

Cortés Travels to Tenochtitlan

They hated the Aztecs because they had raided their cities for people to sacrifice to their gods. Montezuma II tried to keep Cortés from getting all the way to Tenochtitlan, but Cortés continued his march. He destroyed the Aztec religious city of Cholula along the way.

How is Cortes a hero?

Interpretation 2: Cortes was a hero. He was a brave explorer who brought civilisation to the barbaric Aztecs.