4.2 Hernán Cortés and the expedition to Mexico

Hernán Cortés led a daring expedition to Mexico in 1519, defying orders and scuttling his ships to prevent desertion. With 600 men, he embarked on a journey that would change the course of history, demonstrating his determination and strategic thinking.

Cortés' success hinged on key alliances with indigenous groups and interpreters like La Malinche. By founding Veracruz and maneuvering politically, he established a foothold in Mexico, setting the stage for the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

Cortés' Expedition

Cortés and His Fleet

Top images from around the web for Cortés and His Fleet

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 16 August (leaving Veracruz) to 31 October (Paso de Cortés) – Hernan Cortes View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Cortés and His Fleet

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 16 August (leaving Veracruz) to 31 October (Paso de Cortés) – Hernan Cortes View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1519 Timeline from 10 February (leaving Cuba to Yucatan) to 16 August (leaving Veracruz to ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Hernán Cortés led the Spanish expedition to Mexico in 1519
• Assembled a fleet of eleven ships for the journey
• Recruited 600 men to join his expedition force
• Cortés' men included experienced soldiers, sailors, and adventurers
• Expedition departed from Cuba in February 1519

Strategic Decisions and Early Challenges

• Cortés defied orders from Governor Diego Velázquez to abandon the expedition
• Landed on the coast of present-day Veracruz in April 1519
• Scuttling of the ships prevented desertion and committed the expedition to conquest
• Cortés ordered all but one ship to be deliberately sunk or dismantled
• Decision to scuttle ships demonstrated Cortés' determination and strategic thinking

Indigenous Allies

Key Interpreters and Cultural Mediators

• La Malinche (Doña Marina) played a crucial role as interpreter and advisor
• Born to Nahua nobility, sold into slavery, and given to Cortés as a gift
• Fluent in Nahuatl and Maya languages, quickly learned Spanish
• Provided valuable cultural and political insights to Cortés
• Jerónimo de Aguilar served as a Spanish-Maya translator
• Shipwrecked on the Yucatán Peninsula in 1511, learned Maya during his captivity
• Rescued by Cortés' expedition and became an essential interpreter

Strategic Alliances with Indigenous Groups

• Cortés formed alliances with indigenous groups opposed to Aztec rule
• Totonacs of Cempoala became early allies, providing troops and supplies
• Tlaxcalans initially fought against Cortés but later became crucial allies
• Indigenous allies provided military support, local knowledge, and logistical assistance
• Alliances significantly increased the Spanish force's size and effectiveness

Establishing a Foothold

Founding of Veracruz

• Cortés established the settlement of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz
• Located on the Gulf coast, served as a base of operations for the conquest
• Founding of Veracruz allowed Cortés to claim authority independent of Cuba
• Settlement provided a secure location for supplies and reinforcements
• Veracruz became the first European city founded on mainland North America

Political Maneuvering and Legal Justification

• Cortés established a town council (cabildo) in Veracruz
• Council appointed Cortés as Captain General, legitimizing his leadership
• Move circumvented the authority of Governor Velázquez in Cuba
• Cortés sent representatives to Spain to seek royal approval for the conquest
• Establishment of Veracruz created a legal framework for Spanish presence in Mexico