Hernando Cortes

"Hernando Cortes" by Joachim Heinrich Campe is a historical narrative that unravels the story of Hernando Cortes and his conquest of the Aztec Empire. It shines a light on the motivations and actions of important figures like Montezuma and Guatemozin. The book delves into themes of bravery, high goals, and the terrible results of colonial greed. It begins by setting the scene for Cortes' amazing journey, showing the early explorations that brought the Spanish to Mexico and their first meetings with the local people. Cortes is shown as a person of great courage and ambition, but also known for his cruelty in the pursuit of gold and power. The story vividly describes early battles between the Spanish and the natives, showing the complicated mix of cruelty and resistance as Cortes plans his route toward the Mexican Empire, readers are challenged to think about what his actions mean and what will happen to the native people caught in the middle of the conquest.