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Hernon Cortes was born in 1485, in Medina, Spain. Here he would become very important here in spain.He was born as Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano. Not much is known about Hernons parents.
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In 1511 Cortes served as a soldier. He was a soldier in an expedition of Cuba. This was led by Diego Velázquez . Cortes was later rewarded with land and slaves!
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In 1519 Cortes was ordered on an expedition that was later revoked by Diego Velázquez. But despite orders, Cortes left for Mexico with 500 men and 11 ships! He was getting his eyes on the aztec leader Montezuma the third. He wanted to overthrow him in the Aztec capital of Tenochitilán. The Aztec managed to drive Cortes and the Spanish away.
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In April of 1520 Velázquez sent an expedition to capture Cortes.As Cortes went to go fight the expedition an Aztec revolt began in the capitol Tenochtitlán. Cortes returned and obliged Montezuma to face the crowd, but he was struck by a stone in the face and died before Cortes had the chance to do anything.
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Despite being defeated by the Aztec once, Cortes returned for another shot at taking over the capitol! In 1521 Cortes marched right back and fought again! This time he came on successful. The Aztec were not prepare for the force that Cortes brang. He was very proud of his achievement in defeating the Aztec. He would receive many awards and honors from The Spanish Royal Court.
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In 1523 Cortes was named governor and captain general of New Spain. People greatly thought he deserved the position. That is except for a few people who thought he was too powerful and wasn't loyal enough.
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In 1524 Cortes traveled to Honduras to make an attempt at stopping rebellion against him. Back in Mexico he found himself removed from power. He tried to plead his case the Spanish king but got no where.
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In 1527 he married Catalina Xuárez. Catalina was the sister in law of governor Velázquez. He had found the woman of his life at last.
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In 1536 Cortes discovered the Baja of California Peninsula. This was right after he had returned from Mexico! The Baja separates the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California.
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On December 2, 1547, Cortes die of Pleurisy. Pleurisy is when the lining of the lung becomes inflamed! Pleurisy causes pain when you breath, the deeper you breath the more you lung and chest start to hurt. Many people were devastated.
