Hernan Cortes 12. \( \qquad \) : Sailed from Spain to South America 10 years after Columbus's voyage where he found the Inca Empire 13. \( \qquad \) ; Came from Spain and encountered the Aztec Empire in 1519 and conquered central and southern Mexico 14. \( \qquad \) : Sponsored by England sailed through the North Atlantic to Canada in 1497 15. \( \qquad \) : Accidentally traveled to South America from Portugal in 1500 16. \( \qquad \) : Sent by France in 1534 to find a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. Sailed in rivers in what is now Canada 17. \( \qquad \) ; Started in Mexico and was funded by Spain. Traveled through Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, Oklahoma's panhandle, and Kansas

Hernán Cortés was a key figure in Spanish conquest during the early 16th century, most famous for his expedition that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire in what is now Mexico. His journey began in 1519, when he set sail with a small contingent of soldiers and went on to exploit divisions within the Aztec society, ultimately capturing the empire’s capital, Tenochtitlán, in 1521. His journey not only reshaped the map of North America but also resulted in significant cultural exchanges—and clashes—between the Spanish and Indigenous peoples. A real-world application of studying Cortés’s conquest involves understanding the profound effects of colonization on modern cultures and societies. His encounters exemplify the complex dynamics of power, exploration, and cultural transformation still relevant today. By examining these historical events, we can gain insight into current issues surrounding cultural heritage, identity, and power balances in societies that have been shaped by colonization, making history a living, breathing subject that continues to influence our lives.