In 1519, Spanish conquistador
where he made alliances with Aztec enemies. His alliances helped him conquer the powerful Aztec empire and take
control of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec empire. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in Mexico. Cortes and his men faced fierce resistance from the Aztecs, led by their emperor Montezuma II, but ultimately prevailed due to their superior weapons and tactics.
After the fall of the Aztec empire, Cortes established Mexico City on the ruins of Tenochtitlan and continued to expand Spanish control over the region. He also played a key role in the exploration and conquest of other parts of Mexico and Central America.
Despite his successes, Cortes faced criticism from the Spanish authorities for his actions in Mexico. He was eventually removed from his position as Governor of New Spain and returned to Spain, where he faced legal troubles and disputes with rival conquistadors.
Overall, Hernan Cortes is remembered as a controversial figure in history, with some viewing him as a ruthless conqueror who brought destruction to the indigenous peoples of Mexico, while others see him as a skilled leader who played a pivotal role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas.