HERNAN CORTES
Hernan Cortes was born in 1458, living a full life until 1547. During his prime, Cortes was a Spanish conquistador in search of Mexico. In 1504, Cortes headed to Hispaniola. Then seven years later, he accompanied Diego de Velazquez on another expedition, this time to Cuba. With hard work, he was chosen in 1518 to head up another expedition back to Mexico. While Velazquez later tried to recall this commission, he set sail anyway the following year.
While in Yucatan, Cortes was rescued by a Spaniard who he learned had mastered the Mayan language. Then after a victory over Tabasco’s native people, Cortes secured the services of a female slave by the name of Malincha who knew both the Mayan and Aztec language. Heading up the coastline, Cortes founded Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz. Shortly after, he was appointed as Captain General, discarding Velazquez’s authority. With that, Cortes became accountable only to Charles V.
Learning that the Aztec Empire of Montezuma was in trouble, he became the deliverer, rallying the Totonacs to his aid. In addition, Cortes started negotiations with Montezuma. Cutting holes in his ships, Cortes tried to stop any of Velazquez’s sympathizers returning to Cuba. Then his most famous march to Tenochtitlan, which is today’s Mexico City, to the Aztec Empire’s capital. There, the Tlaxcalan warriors were defeated and a new alliance formed with the republic of Tlaxcala, which virtually destroyed Cholula.
Arriving in Tenochtitlan in 1519, Cortes accepted Montezuma as being descendants of the Spanish. He believed they were the god of Quetzalcoatl. Taking the opportunity, Cortes literally took Montezuma hostage, trying to become the “governor” over the people and the region. By the spring of 1520, Cortes headed to the coast. This time, a force led by Panfilo de Narvaez was defeated. With Alvarado left in command, many of the Aztec Indians were massacred. Shortly thereafter, the Aztecs besieged the Spanish. Unfortunately, Montezuma was killed in the ensuing battle. Trying to find safety, the Spanish made their way out of the city but not without huge losses.
Still in a retreat mode, an Aztec army was defeated at Otumba. Then, Cortes retired to Tlaxcala. The following year, Cortes headed an attack on the capital. After a three-month battle, Tenochtitlan finally fell. Sadly, with this fall, the Aztec empire also fell. Cortes was the Captain General so he lengthened the conquest by sending various expeditions to various parts of Mexico, as well as northern Central America. From 1524 to 1526, Cortes headed to Honduras, at which time he killed Cuauhtemoc, who was the Aztec emperor.
During his absence, Cortes’ enemies slowly became triumphant. However, once he returned, his power became fictitious. Interesting, while he visited Spain in1528, Cortes was given the title of Marques del Valle de Oaxaca. However, Charles V still refused to give him the title of governor. Even so, Cortes headed to Mexico where he sent out maritime expeditions vainly, being frustrated numerous times by Nuno de Guzman. Quarreling with the Viceroy named Antonio de Mendoza; Cortes tried for justice in Spain again in 1540. However, he was not supported by the court and soon died.