Hernando Cortez was one of the bravest military leaders of all time. Born in Medellin, Spain, he was a Spanish conquistador who conquered much of Central America. It also gave Spain three hundred years of control over Mexico. Cortez began exploration in the early 1500s. He explored to find riches and conquered by observing the natives. With a small army he conquered the Aztec empire. Cortez attended the University of Salamanca, Spain. He attended university to study Latin and law. Unfortunately Cortez only completed two years of school. He returned to his family in Medellin, Spain. However, life has become boring for him. However, Christopher Columbus inspired Cortez to explore the New World. Eventually, Cortez was able to explore the New World. Cortez sailed on a ship to Santo Domingo, Hispaniola in 1504. He received land in Hispaniola. He cultivated the land for about seven years. Finally, Cortez's first adventure occurred in 1511. He met a wealthy landowner named Diego Velazquez. Velazquez led a mission to conquer Cuba. Cortez joined forces with Velazquez. This mission was a success. Velazquez became governor of Cuba. Cortez received land and slaves. Cortez became rich. He owned a large home and a thriving ranch. He had a new wife but still wanted excitement in his life. He continued to have adventure on his mind. Francisco Fernandez de Cordoba, a Spanish explorer, was looking for slaves. Unfortunately, the captain landed in a different place. This explorer had landed on the Yucatan Peninsula. This peninsula had cities built of stone. The natives wore brightly colored clothing and appeared to be highly civilized. This was the first developed society the Spanish found in the New World. The captain h...... middle of paper ...... seeking riches in New Spain. He sent several expeditions through northwestern Mexico, but they found nothing. These expeditions were unsuccessful. He fell into debt after the expensive expeditions. Determined to continue his exploration, he decided to ask King Charles I for help. Cortez went to Spain in 1540, but the king was at war in Algiers. Cortez volunteered to serve in the war in 1541. Subsequently, Hernando Cortez fell ill. He died on December 2, 1547 in Seville, Spain. Cortez contributed much to the New World. He introduced Spain to Mexico. He showed his courage and conquered the Aztec empire. Through his intelligence and ingenuity, he united native and Spanish cultures. Cortez helped establish the Mexican culture that lives today. He was one of Spain's bravest leaders. In his honor, a Cortez memorial stands in Medellin, Spain.