Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador, is best known for his expedition that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire. He went on a total of three major voyages during his lifetime.
First Voyage (1504): Cortes first set sail to the New World in 1504, arriving in Hispaniola (modern-day Dominican Republic and Haiti). He initially worked as a notary and farmer, gaining experience and knowledge about the new territories.
Second Voyage (1511): Cortes joined Diego Velazquez in the conquest of Cuba. This expedition was crucial as it established Spanish control over the island and provided Cortes with valuable military and leadership experience.
Third Voyage (1519): The most famous of his voyages, Cortes led an expedition to Mexico. This journey resulted in the conquest of the Aztec Empire and the establishment of New Spain. Cortes’ leadership and strategic alliances with local tribes were key to his success.
These voyages not only shaped the course of Cortes’ life but also had a profound impact on the history of the Americas.