Based on the presentations of Cortés’ and Pizarro’s conquests, I would have preferred to have been involved in Cortés’ expedition over Pizarro’s because Cortés’ willpower and determination were to be greatly admired. His drive to conquer was his defining characteristic, with his famous burning of the boats a symbol that can resonate even in today’s context. He was the most notable of the early Spanish conquistadors, conquering arguably the most difficult of the three ancient Latin American civilizations to conquer, the Aztec Empire. Of course, Cortés suffered a major decline nearing the end of career, as do many conquistadors of his era; a result of internal conflict, greed, and an inability to correctly govern his conquered territory (Navia,
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He had himself elected as the captain general and the chief justice solely so he could diminish the authority of Velasquez (Carey, 2015). It was in Veracruz where Cortés truly exemplified his determined character. Unlike the other conquistadors of his era, Cortés stressed the importance of discipline in his army. He was good with words and he inspired his soldiers with a passion that he held himself. However, the most notable symbol of his perseverance and determination was his burning of his ships (Carey, 2015). By destroying his only method of his escape, he presented his crew with two options: conquer or perish (Navia, 2015). The presentation of that choice was inspirational; his soldiers conquered the territory and thus the capture of Veracruz was one of the events that solidified Cortés’ position in history as one of the greatest …show more content…
However, Cortés’ resolve held and his determination carried him into the city. After Cortés marched into Tenochtitlan with approximately one thousand Tlaxcalan natives, Montezuma regarded Cortés as the reincarnation of their god, Quetzalcoatl (Navia, 2015). Montezuma received Cortés well, showering him in various gifts of gold. However, Cortés nevertheless took Montezuma hostage and subsequently seized control of Tenochtitlan (Beck, 2003).
Soon after however, another Spanish expedition, led by Pánfilo Narváez sought to take power of Tenochtitlan; a result of Velazquez’s jealousy. Cortés subsequently confronted Narváez’s men, conquering them even with a large deficit in soldiers (Grunberg, 2007). On his return to Tenochtitlan, it was found that the public was in much resentment towards the Spaniards however. With the massacre that occurred during the Fiesta of Huitzilopochtli, and the death of Montezuma, Cortés had to flee (León-Portilla, 1992). He was to return with conviction however. He sought to recapture Tenochtitlan for
He had himself elected as the captain general and the chief justice solely so he could diminish the authority of Velasquez (Carey, 2015). It was in Veracruz where Cortés truly exemplified his determined character. Unlike the other conquistadors of his era, Cortés stressed the importance of discipline in his army. He was good with words and he inspired his soldiers with a passion that he held himself. However, the most notable symbol of his perseverance and determination was his burning of his ships (Carey, 2015). By destroying his only method of his escape, he presented his crew with two options: conquer or perish (Navia, 2015). The presentation of that choice was inspirational; his soldiers conquered the territory and thus the capture of Veracruz was one of the events that solidified Cortés’ position in history as one of the greatest …show more content…
However, Cortés’ resolve held and his determination carried him into the city. After Cortés marched into Tenochtitlan with approximately one thousand Tlaxcalan natives, Montezuma regarded Cortés as the reincarnation of their god, Quetzalcoatl (Navia, 2015). Montezuma received Cortés well, showering him in various gifts of gold. However, Cortés nevertheless took Montezuma hostage and subsequently seized control of Tenochtitlan (Beck, 2003).
Soon after however, another Spanish expedition, led by Pánfilo Narváez sought to take power of Tenochtitlan; a result of Velazquez’s jealousy. Cortés subsequently confronted Narváez’s men, conquering them even with a large deficit in soldiers (Grunberg, 2007). On his return to Tenochtitlan, it was found that the public was in much resentment towards the Spaniards however. With the massacre that occurred during the Fiesta of Huitzilopochtli, and the death of Montezuma, Cortés had to flee (León-Portilla, 1992). He was to return with conviction however. He sought to recapture Tenochtitlan for