Hernan Cortes Influence On American Conquest

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One woman changed the course of Mexico, she was an alliance to Hernan Cortes, his translator, and mistress, with her assistance Cortes, was able to overthrow the Aztec Empire. Her name was Malintzin Tenepal, a young indigenous girl who was a tribute offer to Cortes and his military in 1519. She was able to alter the course of Mexico past and present by aiding Cortes in his journey of conquer-ship by translating multiple languages. She was introduced to Christianity and soon after changed her name from Malintzin to Doña Marina, and therefore after was referred to that by the Spaniards. However, the current Mexican population refers to Doña Marina as La Malinche, meaning traitor. Townsend states that her name resonates with betrayal and loathing because she represents the conquest of Spain and any further domination by outsiders. …show more content…
Cortes used Malinche’s knowledge of linguistics to his advantage with negotiations with the Aztec Empire. She spoke to Montezuma, the last Aztec Emperor, and his successors on behalf of Cortez until—and even after—the Spaniards held the rein of powers (Townsend). The Aztec Empire were the rulers at the time until the arrival of the Spaniards and ultimately they overthrew the Aztec in 1521 (Mesoamerican Legacy Notes). Doña Marina was also known for being a manipulator, it is presupposed to say that she convinced Montezuma that Cortes was the returning God, therefore confiding with