1519 - Cortés Arrives in Mexico

In 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived on the Gulf coast and began the campaign that led to the Spanish conquest of the Mexica Empire. His arrival brought together Spanish ambition, Indigenous alliances, military conflict, and disease in a turning point for Mexican history.

This date is important even though Cortés is not treated as a hero. It helps learners understand the beginning of the conquest period and the changes that led to colonial New Spain.

The Spanish came to Mexico in search of trade routes and riches, and because of the feudal problem. The Spanish conquistadors first entered México-Tenochtitlan on November 8, 1519. Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz was founded by Hernán Cortés on April 22, 1519. Moctezuma Xocoyotzin was the Mexica ruler when Hernán Cortés arrived in Tenochtitlan.