Hernando Cortez Research Paper

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Princess Cruz January 19, 2010 Mr. Deneen 4th Block Hernando Cortez Born in Medellin, Extremadura, Cortez lived through the years 1485-1547. He studied law at the University of Salamanca but decided to try his luck with the Americas in 1501. During 1518, he went and served under the governor of Cuba. With the governor's permission, he organized a crew to accompany him to Mexico. Just before he left for Mexico, Governor Velazquez revoked Cortez's commission because he feared that Cortez would not recognize his authority once in Mexico. Cortez however, left anyway, and later destroyed his ships so that men loyal to the governor would not have the ability to return to Cuba. When they arrived in Mexico, the Spaniards imprisoned many captives and later founded a town called La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz, now called Veracruz. One of the prisoners, Malinche, became his lady and acted as a guide and an interpreter. Cortez established an independent government and only recognized the authority of the Spanish crown. Once the town stabilized, he initiated his progression inward. He defeated a tribe known as the Tlaxcala’s and then formed a treaty with them against the Aztecs. Immediately ensuing a meeting with…show more content…
Along with about 600 native associates, the Spaniards set up base in one of the Aztec's many ceremonial temples. During all these events, Governor Velazquez sent a fleet under soldier Panfilo de Narvaez to Mexico. Cortez knew of this and marched with a small group to the coast where he captured Panfilo de Narvaez, and persuaded most of the soldiers to join his band. When they returned to Tenochtitlan, an Aztec revolt had progressed too far. Montezuma died from a stoning three days after asking the Aztec people to calm down. On June 30, 1520, a dark rainy night known as Noche Triste, the Spaniards retreated from the

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