Hernan Cortez
Definition
Hernan Cortez was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.
Analogy
Think of Hernan Cortez as a controversial football coach. He might have won his team (Spain) a major championship (the Aztec Empire), but his methods were highly disputed and had long-lasting effects on the players (the indigenous people).
Related terms
Conquistadors: These were Spanish explorers and warriors who successfully conquered much of America in the 16th century.
Aztec Empire: This was an alliance of three Nahua altepetl city-states: Mexico-Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. It ruled central Mexico from 1428 until it fell to Cortez's forces in 1521.
Spanish colonization: This refers to Spain's conquests in the New World, which began with Columbus' discovery in 1492 and continued into the late 19th century.
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