Description: On November 8, 1519, Hernn Corts entered the magnificent Aztec city of Tenochtitln in present-day Mexico. The stone city had intricately structured canals, bridges, and floating gardens. However, Corts had not come to the city to admire its beauty. He and his soldiers arrived to conquer it and plunder its gold. In order to achieve his goal, Corts went to battle with Montezuma, the great Aztec ruler. When the bloody fighting ended, Corts began building a new Spanish colony that would change the course of history in Mexico.
Review Quotes: Part of the "Great Explorers of the World" series, this book offers an excellent overview of the life and explorations of Hernan Cortes, including his first voyages to the New World, his conquest of the Aztec empire, and his controversial legacy in Latin America. The book traces Cortes' life from his time as a young and ambitious conquistador under the leadership of Diego Velasquez to his conquest of Mexico and defeat of Montezuma. It relates Cortes' tangled relationships with other explorers, his men, and the government he worked for. Perhaps most interestingly, Green also explores Cortes' reputation and legacy in present-day Latin America, discussing the political, social and economic repercussions of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, then and today. This is an excellent resource for middle school and high school students, providing clear and engaging information about the life and exploits of Hernan Cortes, as well as the consequences of his achievements. The book also includes detailed chapter notes, a glossary, an index, and a list of published and electronic resources., Children's Literature