Facts About Hernan Cortes

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Hernan Cortes Research Paper

Hernan Cortes (also known as Hernando Cortes) was an important Spanish explorer because he made many discoveries during his lifetime. He was born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain. Hernan Cortes was famous for leading the expedition to modern-day Mexico. He defeated the Aztec Empire and claimed Mexico for Spain. Hernando also discovered the peninsula of California in 1536. As you can tell, Hernando Cortes was a very important explorer in history. Cortes had a great impact on our world.
Cortes discovered many things. His first successful expedition reached the Mexican Coast in 1519. He was mistaken for Quetzalcoatl, a god/king of the people’s land. In 1519, Hernan tried to convert the indians to his religion. “He attempted to convert the Indians to his own religion, although he was not entirely successful.” (YourDictionary. “What Are Some Facts About Hernando Cortes?”) He also tricked the Aztecs into giving him lots of gold. Cortes was known for cruelly treating natives and destroying Aztec buildings. He discovered lots of treasures on his expedition, such as chocolate.
Hernan captured the Aztec capital in 1521. He also fought Tlaxacan and Cholula warriors. The Aztecs drove the Spanish from the city of Tenochtitlan, but Cortes returned to defeat and take back the city in 1521. This was the end of the Aztec …show more content…

“In 1523 Cortes was named Governor and Captain General of the conquered territory, dubbed “New Spain.” (“Hernan Cortes-10 Facts About the Spanish Conquistador.”) He develops the land and spreads Christianity in 1524. Later on, he was accused of poisoning his enemies. The king of Spain decided to send rulers to help Cortes, but when they all returned sick, they accused him of being responsible for it. He returned to Spain to prove his innocence to the King. In 1530, he was freed of charges and then returned to Mexico. Hernan later died in Spain in 1547, at the age of

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