Hernán Cortés

Born:

Medellín, Crown of Castile (present-day Spain), c. 1485

Died:

Castilleja de la Cuesta, Crown of Castile (present-day Spain), December 2, 1547

Nationality:

Castilian (Spanish)

Profession(s):

Conquistador, Explorer

Early Life and Education

• Born into a noble but not wealthy family in Medellín.
• Briefly studied law at the University of Salamanca.
• Abandoned legal studies to seek his fortune in the New World.

Career and Major Achievements

• Participated in the Spanish conquest of Cuba, gaining experience in colonial administration and military tactics.
• Led an expedition to Mexico in 1519, against the initial orders of Governor Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar.
• Formed alliances with indigenous groups opposed to the Aztec Empire, significantly boosting his forces.
• Successfully conquered the Aztec Empire between 1519 and 1521, establishing Spanish control over central Mexico.
• Became Governor and Captain General of New Spain.
• Organized further expeditions and explorations in Central America.

Notable Works

• Cartas de Relación (Letters from Mexico): A series of five letters written to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, detailing Cortés's experiences in Mexico. These are a primary historical source for understanding the conquest.

Legacy and Impact

Hernán Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire had a profound and lasting impact on the Americas. It led to the establishment of Spanish colonial rule, the introduction of European culture and religion, and the significant alteration of the region's demographics and societal structures. Understanding his motivations and actions requires a careful examination of primary sources like his own letters, as often discussed when exploring subjects such as 'hernan cortes biography video on george michael' because the context of sources matters.

Chronology

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