Cortes

Hernan Cortes

  • Hernan Cortes is born
    Jan 1, 1485

    Hernan Cortes is born

    Hernan Cortes was born in Medellín Spain.
  • A voyage to the New World
    Jan 1, 1504

    A voyage to the New World

    Hernan decided to sail to the New World and make a life for himself there. He sailed to what is now Haiti.
  • The Spanish take Cuba
    Jan 1, 1506

    The Spanish take Cuba

    Cortes worked with the governor of Hispaniola, who took Cortes on a conquest of Cuba. Cortes was rewarded with land and slaves.
  • Hernan Cortes is sent to Mexico
    Jan 1, 1518

    Hernan Cortes is sent to Mexico

    Diego Valasquez named Cortes the captain of an expedition to Mexico. After a fight, though, he fired Cortes' status. Cortes went against Valasquez's wishes and sailed on to Mexico against orders.
  • Cortes takes over Veracruz
    Jul 1, 1519

    Cortes takes over Veracruz

    Cortes sailed into Veracruz and took it by force. He tried to meet with Montezuma, the Aztec king, but Montezuma refused.
  • Cortes takes Montezuma hostage
    Nov 1, 1519

    Cortes takes Montezuma hostage

    The Aztec people tried to give Cortes gold and other treasures. But he took Montezuma hostage ruling Tenochtitlan through Montezuma.
  • Cortes kills Montezuma
    Jul 1, 1520

    Cortes kills Montezuma

    When Montezuma couldn't get the Aztecs to accept Cortes as their leader, Cortes had Montezuma killed.
  • Cortes takes over the Aztec Empire
    Aug 13, 1521

    Cortes takes over the Aztec Empire

    With Montezuma dead, Cortes took over the Aztec's capital city. It was the end of the Aztec Empire.
  • Cortes discovers the peninsula of California
    Oct 1, 1533

    Cortes discovers the peninsula of California

    He discovers the peninsula of California but then returned to Spain.
  • Cortes dies
    Dec 2, 1547

    Cortes dies

    While living in Spain Cortes passes away.