Hernando Cortez was one of the most courageous military leaders of all time. Born in Medellin, Spain, he was a Spanish conquistador who conquered most of Central America. It also gave Spain three hundred years of control over Mexico. Cortez began his explorations in the early 1500s. He explored for riches and conquered by being attentive to the natives. With a small army he conquered the Aztec empire. Cortez went to college in Salamanca, Spain. He attended college to study Latin and law. Unfortunately, Cortez only completed two years of school. He returned to his family in Medellin, Spain. However, life became boring for him. Nevertheless, Christopher Columbus inspired Cortez to explore the New World. Finally, 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 farmed the land for about seven years. Finally, Cortés' first adventure took place 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 house and a successful ranch. He had a new wife but still craved excitement in his life. He continued to have adventure in mind. Francisco Fernández de Cordoba, a Spanish explorer, was looking for slaves. Unfortunately, the captain landed at another location. This explorer had landed on the Yucatan peninsula. This peninsula had towns built of stone. The natives wore brightly colored clothes and appeared very civilized. This was the first developed society the Spanish found in the New World. Captain h...... middle of paper ......o searches for riches in New Spain. He sent several expeditions to northwest Mexico, but they found nothing. These expeditions failed. He fell into debt after the expensive expeditions. Determined to continue his explorations, he decided to ask King Charles I for help. Cortés went to Spain in 1540, but the king was at war in Algiers. Cortez volunteered to serve in the war in 1541. Later, 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 bravery and conquered the Aztec Empire. Through his intelligence and wit, he brought together indigenous and Spanish culture. Cortez helped establish the Mexican culture that exists today. He was one of the most courageous Spanish leaders. In his honor, a Cortez memorial stands in Medellin, Spain.