Hernán Cortés arrives on the coast of Mexico with a small expedition of Spanish conquistadors.
Feb 18, 1519
Cortes leaves Cuba to the sail of Yucatan
1520
Cortés and his forces reach the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, ruled by Moctezuma II. Moctezuma welcomes Cortés, but tensions rise as the Spanish attempt to take control of the city.
1520
The Noche Triste takes place, with the Spanish suffering heavy losses during an Aztec resintece.
1524
Cortés establishes Mexico City (originally known as La Ciudad de México) as the capital of New Spain.
1530
Cortés secures the title of Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca and is allowed to return to New Spain.
1540
The New Laws are enacted to protect the rights of indigenous people.
1547
Hernán Cortés dies in Castilleja de la Cuesta, Spain.