Here are some of the key reasons why Hernán Cortés is remembered today:
1. Conquest of the Aztec Empire:
Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire was one of the most remarkable military achievements in history. With a relatively small force of Spanish soldiers and indigenous allies, Cortés managed to defeat the powerful Aztec Empire, which was at its peak at the time. His victory opened up the Americas to further Spanish exploration and colonization, and marked the beginning of the Spanish colonial era in the Americas.
2. Moctezuma's Capture and Death:
One of the most famous episodes of the conquest was Cortés's capture and subsequent death of the Aztec emperor, Moctezuma II. Cortés's audacious move of taking Moctezuma hostage allowed him to gain control over the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, and ultimately led to the fall of the empire. Moctezuma's death and the destruction of Tenochtitlan shocked the Aztec world and symbolized the end of the Aztec civilization.
3. La Malinche and Indigenous Allies:
Cortés's success was greatly aided by his alliance with the indigenous people of Mexico, particularly the Nahua people and their leader La Malinche, also known as Malintzin. La Malinche played a pivotal role as a translator and cultural mediator between Cortés and the indigenous people, and her contributions were crucial in facilitating communication and diplomacy during the conquest.
4. Founding of Mexico City:
After the fall of Tenochtitlan, Cortés established a new city on the ruins of the Aztec capital, which became known as Mexico City. Mexico City went on to become the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain and the most important city in the Spanish Americas.
5. Exploration of the Pacific:
Following the conquest, Cortés organized expeditions to explore the Pacific Ocean and further expand the Spanish Empire. His expeditions contributed to the discovery of new territories, including the Baja California Peninsula and the Philippines.
6. Role in Spanish Colonialism:
Cortés played a significant role in establishing Spanish colonialism in the Americas. He served as the first governor of New Spain and implemented various policies to consolidate Spanish power and control over the region. Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, Cortés's contributions to the expansion of the Spanish Empire had a lasting impact on the history of the Americas.
While Hernán Cortés is primarily remembered for his military achievements and role in the conquest of Mexico, his legacy remains complex and controversial due to the brutal and destructive nature of the conquest and its devastating consequences for the indigenous populations of the Americas.