Hernán Cortés Worksheets
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Summary
- Early Life
- The Journey to Mexico
- Later Life and Death
Key Facts And Information
Let’s find out more about Hernán Cortés!
Hernán Cortés (1485–1547) was a Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire, therefore annexing Mexico for Spain. Born into a noble but modest family, he abandoned his studies in Salamanca and embarked for Hispaniola in 1504. Acquiring prominence in Cuba, he challenged Governor Velázquez and initiated an expedition to Mexico in 1519. Through diplomacy and force, he allied with the Tlaxcalans and seized Tenochtitlán in 1521.
Notwithstanding his achievements, political adversaries undermined him. He died in Spain in 1547, leaving a legacy of ambition, conquest and controversy.
16th-century portrait of Hernán Cortés
Early Life of Hernán Cortés
- Hernán Cortés was born in 1485 in Medellín, near Merida, Extremadura, Castile, Spain, and died 2 December 1547 in Castilleja de la Cuesta, near Sevilla. He was a Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire from 1519 to 1521, securing Mexico for Spain.
- Cortés was the son of Martín Cortés de Monroy and Doña Catalina Pizarro Altamarino, a family of noble heritage but limited wealth. According to his secretary, Francisco Lopez de Gomara, Cortés was sent to Salamanca in west-central Spain at the age of 14 due to his intelligence and quick learning. However, Gomara also claimed that he was defiant, prideful, mischievous and opinionated, which frequently caused his parents to be unhappy.
- Cortés became captivated by the narratives of the ‘New World’ and Christopher Columbus’s discoveries as he became increasingly dissatisfied with the monotony of his small village. Initially planning to join military campaigns in Italy, he instead spent nearly a year wandering near Spain’s southern ports, captivated by the wealth and exotic allure of ships returning from the Americas. In 1504, he finally sailed for the island of Hispaniola (now the Dominican Republic).
- Upon his arrival in Hispaniola, Cortés worked as a farmer and notary for a local council. He seemed content to establish himself and build his position during his first few years there. His life took a turn in 1509 when he contracted an illness, preventing him from joining expeditions to South America.
- By 1511 he had recovered and accompanied Diego Velazquez on the conquest of Cuba. Velazquez became the colony’s governor, while Cortés served as treasurer’s clerk. His loyalty and administrative skills earned him land, enslaved labourers, and a prominent home in Santiago, Cuba’s new capital.
- Cortés rose in influence, becoming mayor of Santiago on two occasions. Renowned for his leadership qualities, he drew the allegiance of people unhappy with Velazquez’s government. Acting swiftly to avoid Velazquez’s potential change of heart due to jealousy, he assembled six ships and three hundred soldiers and sailed before the latter could replace him. Cortés’s will, knowledge and charm helped him get supplies and extra soldiers from other Cuban ports, enabling his legendary invasion of the Aztecs.
- Hernán Cortés had several spouses and relationships, influencing his political and personal legacy. He married Catalina Suarez Marcaida in 1514, but their marriage was unhappy, and her unexpected death in 1522 sparked rumours of foul play.
- He later had a serious relationship with Isabel Moctezuma, the daughter of Aztec emperor Moctezuma II, with whom he had a daughter named Leonor Cortés Moctezuma.
- In 1529, Cortés married Juana de Zuñiga, a Spanish noblewoman, and had numerous children, including Martín Cortés. He also fathered several illegitimate offspring, establishing a mestizo bloodline in colonial Mexico.
Cortés and La Malinche Meet Moctezuma II
The Journey to Mexico
- Hernán Cortés embarked on his significant expedition to the Yucatán Peninsula on 18 February 1519. His fleet consisted of eleven ships, over five hundred soldiers, about one hundred sailors, and sixteen horses.
- Upon landing in Tabasco in March 1519, Cortés sought to establish good relations with the local Indigenous people. In addition to the gifts, which included twenty women, they provided him with insightful knowledge. Marina, who was frequently referred to as Malinche, served as his interpreter, counsel and confidante, thereby providing substantial support to his campaigns.
- He then moved along the southeastern coast of Mexico, founding the settlement of Veracruz.
- This strategic move allowed him to be elected as captain-general and chief justice by his soldiers, thereby freeing himself from the authority of Diego Velazquez, the governor of Cuba.
- Cortés’s decision to steer his ships was bold. It prevented the option of retreat and compelled his army to depend solely on conquest for sustenance. The move assured his men’s commitment and acknowledged his authority. As he marched inland, he alternated between diplomacy and force when interacting with local Indigenous people, many of whom were opposed to the authority of the Aztec Empire. One of the pivotal moments occurred when the Tlaxcalans initially opposed him but later became his devoted allies. He was aware of the political rifts in the Aztec domain, where many people resented honouring Montezuma II, the emperor. These disputes helped him acquire around 200,000 Indigenous supporters, strengthening his little Spanish army.
Path taken by Hernán Cortés and his troops from 1519 to 1521, leading to the fall of Tenochtitlán.
- On 8 November 1519, Cortés and his forces, accompanied by one thousand Tlaxcaltecs, entered the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán. Montezuma received them with ceremonial honours, but Cortés soon took the emperor hostage, seeking to control the empire through its ruler.
Challenges and Later Life of Hernán Cortés
- In mid-1520, Hernán Cortés faced a challenge when a Spanish force arrived from Cuba to remove him from authority. He left Tenochtitlán in the hands of his lieutenant and set off to face the obstacle, unconscious of the upheaval that would occur while he was away.
- Cortés’s position was precarious. In mid-1520, a Spanish force led by Panfilo Narvaez arrived from Cuba to remove him from command. Leaving a garrison in Tenochtitlán, he marched to confront Narvaez, defeated him, and persuaded his troops to join his own.
- Upon Cortés’s return to Tenochtitlán, the city was in a state of anarchy. His lieutenant, Pedro de Alvarado, had initiated an insurrection by murdering Aztec chiefs during a celebration.
- In what became known as La Noche Triste (‘The Night of Sorrows’), Cortés and his troops were compelled to abandon Tenochtitlán after suffering significant losses. However, on 7 July 1520, he rallied his forces and won a decisive battle at Otumba against the pursuing Aztecs. Reuniting with his Tlaxcalan allies, Cortés regrouped and prepared for another assault.
- In December 1520, Cortés began his final campaign against Tenochtitlán. After conquering the surrounding areas, he besieged the city on 13 August 1521. Tenochtitlán’s fall signalled the end of the Aztec Empire and set Spanish rule over a wide area, spanning from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
- After conquering the Aztec Empire, Cortés led an expedition to Honduras (1524–1526) to suppress a rebellion and establish Spanish control. The journey was treacherous, resulting in many casualties due to harsh conditions and conflict. Upon returning to Mexico, he faced political challenges from Spanish officials who questioned his authority.
- Despite giving Spain enormous territory and wealth, Cortés’s triumphs provoked political jealousy. Rivals in Spain, like Diego Velázquez, sought to undermine him. Cortés answered by writing long letters to King Charles V, therefore defending his actions and achievements. Cortés experienced political challenges and accusations even with his successes.
- In 1528, Cortés travelled to Spain to plead his case before Charles V. Although he was confirmed as captain-general and awarded the title Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca, he was not reinstated as governor. Returning to New Spain in 1530, Cortés found his authority diminished, with political turmoil and accusations – including rumours that he had murdered his first wife, Catalina – circulating against him.
- Cortés retired to his estate in Cuernavaca, located south of Mexico City, and focused on constructing his palace and exploring new territories. He returned to Spain in 1540, where he was beset by legal disputes. Despite his affluence and titles, he was afflicted by debt and a lack of respect. On 2 December 1547, in Sevilla, Cortés passed away from illness while making his last trip back to Mexico.
- Although his remarkable career changed the Americas, it ultimately led to his dissatisfaction and disappointment. His legacy remains a complicated mash-up of diplomacy, conquest and controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hernán Cortés
- Who was Hernán Cortés?
Hernán Cortés (1485–1547) was a Spanish conquistador best known for conquering the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico.
- Why is Hernán Cortés famous?
He is famous for overthrowing the Aztec Empire and bringing Mexico under Spanish rule in 1521. His actions led to the expansion of Spanish colonisation in the Americas.
- What happened to Hernán Cortés after the conquest?
After defeating the Aztecs, Cortés became Governor of New Spain, but he lost political power in 1528. He later explored parts of Central America and California but was eventually forced into retirement in Spain, where he died in 1547.