Hernando Cortez

Background

• He was born in 1485 in Medellin in the kingdom of Castile.
• He died in Seville, Spain on December 2nd, 1547.
• He was born to a lesser family.

Early Life

• Studied at the University of Salamarca.
• Was part of the generation of Spanish Colonizers.

INTERESTING FACTSHe tortured then killed the new ruler of Mexico City, Cuauhtémac for the Aztec treasures.
He invaded Mexico with 11 ships, 550 men, some war dogs, and ten brass cannons.

SPONSOR/MOTIVES

• His sponsor was Yucatan.
• He was appointed leader of an expedition
• then was denied the job. However he disobeyed.
• The purpose of the expedition was to get the
• Aztec treasures and to get  power.

ROUTE
Cuba-Vera Cruz-Mexico City-The Aztec Empire-Mexico City-Lower California-Spain.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Was appointed leader of expedition to Mexico.
• Rescued a Spaniard.
• Got victory over the Natives of Tabasco.

IMPACT
Enslaved many Indians including a woman (Marina, or La Malinche) to be his wife. He killed many people in battle.

SOURCES

• Encyclopedia of Mexico:History,Society,and Culture
• Greenwood encyclopedia of international relations
• Marquis who was who in America 1607-1984
• The World Book
• Wikipedia and World Digital Library