Hernán Cortés, born in 1485 in Medellín, Spain, is one of the most infamous figures in the history of the Americas. Best known for leading the expedition that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire, Cortés’ legacy is one of conquest, colonization, and immense brutality. His arrival in present-day Mexico in 1519 marked the beginning of a dramatic and violent transformation of the region.
The Invasion of Mexico
Cortés arrived on the Mexican coast with a relatively small force, but he was strategic in forming alliances with Indigenous groups who opposed Aztec rule. Notably, he allied with the Tlaxcalans, who had long been subjugated by the powerful Aztec Empire. These alliances, combined with his military tactics and the impact of European diseases on Indigenous populations, proved devastating.
The Fall of Tenochtitlán
In 1521, after a long siege and intense battles, Cortés and his allies captured the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán. The city was razed, and its temples and palaces were destroyed. The fall of the city marked the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish dominance in the region.
Brutality and Legacy
Cortés’ campaign was marked by extreme violence. He enslaved, tortured, and killed countless Indigenous people. His actions set the tone for the brutal methods many other conquistadors would use throughout Latin America. Today, he is remembered by many as a symbol of colonial oppression and violence. (pbs.org)
While some historical narratives have framed him as a bold explorer, contemporary perspectives emphasize the devastating consequences of his conquest for Indigenous civilizations.
