Many know the Name Hernando Cortez, but few know the story of how he conquered South America. He was born in megalin, Spain in 1485. Cortes was conceived into a wealthy noble Spanish family. He was plagued with illness as an adolescent, but was healthy after the age of 18. He first served as a soldier under Diego Velázquez in 1511, but he ignored orders and traveled to Mexico with 500 men in 1519. He had his eyes set on overthrowing the wealthy Aztec empire. Spain would never have been a powerful empire if it wasn't for Hernando Cortez risking his life to explore the new world and South America. From his teenage years Cortes had ambitions of exploring the New world. When Cortes was 18 he was offered a spot on a …show more content…
He discovered more land in South America than any other native Spaniard. Cortes is easily regarded as one of the most accomplished explorers of his time. He single handedly increased Spain's wealth dramatically. Who know the Aztecs could,be ruling the world right now if Cortes had not stepped in. He set the precedent for using the "encomienda system which was instituted in Mexico and would continue to be used in the New World as a form of slavery. This system gave land and a number of natives to the conquistador, who was then obligated to teach religious education to the natives in trade for labor."(Mariners Museum Hernando Cortes 1)He also increase the desire of other explores eager to find riches. Hernando Cortes is still talked about today, due to his remarkable discoveries.
As you can see Hernando Cortes played an essential role in Spain's ability to gain wealth and prosper as a nation. Cortes was not a typical explorer, he was one that was willing to take drastic leaps to find prosperity. He was a man that lived with no retreats. Cortes was a man eager to make fortune, his accomplishments speak for itself, but their are many questionable things he did. This goes to shows that in the end you can't have your cake and eat it too. No matter your personal opinion of Hernando Cortes, he will always be remembered as the man who conquered the great Aztecs