The Arrival of the Spanish

It was Thursday, April 21, 1519. Hernan Cortes had just arrived on the coast of Veracruz just after two months of erecting a small force and escaping the hands of his governor, Diego Velasquez, who wished to relieve him of his command. He had one thing on his mind as he departed his ships: gold. That idea would morph into all-out conquest the next day when he was met with the emissaries of Montezuma, who brought him a vast amount of gifts, believing that he was a prophesied deity.

He expressed his desire to meet with the Aztec emperor, however, Montezuma was unwilling to accept the inclination. Despite this, Cortes was unperturbed. With the Aztec King not willing to meet with him, Cortes began working to fabricate a political claim that would detach him from the command of Governor Velasquez. He sowed dissent among the coastal village spreading rumors of Velasquez's betrayal of the crown. With soldiers unwilling to follow a traitor, they requested Cortes to establish a new settlement that was right by the crown. Cortes lead his army along the coast to another group of friendly indigenous people, where he established Veracruz, following the same legal procedures as if he were an official of the crown, as it would have to be approved by the crown, even if the conquest succeeded.

With his new settlement established and the thought of Velasquez's authority abolished from his mind, he set out to enhancing his case to the king by gathering the gifts sent from Montezuma and sending them to the mainland. After sending the ship off, Cortes scuttled the remaining ships, as the men in his army who were friends and relatives of Velasquez were liable to sow thoughts of desertion among his army.

With no way left but forward, Cortes marched westward along with several hundred friendly indigenous people, with 100 of his men left behind to occupy Veracruz. The intended destination was the great city of the Aztecs, however, Cortes would have to overcome a few battles before he reached his prize.