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1504
A voyage to the New World
Hernan decided to sail to the New Wold and make a life for himself there. He sailed to what is now Haiti. -
1506
The Spanish take Cuba
Cortes worked with the governor of Hispaniola, who took Cortes on a conquest of Cuba. Cortes was rewarded with land and slaves. -
1511
Hernan is promoted in Cuba
Diego Valasquez became the governor of Cuba. He made Cortes one of his top officials. -
1518
Cortes is sent to Mexico
Diego Valasquez named Cortes the captain of an expedition to Mexico. After a fight, though, he revoked Cortes´ status. -
1519
Cortes goes against the governor
Cortes went against Valasquez's wishes and sailed on to Mexico against orders. -
1519
Cortes took over Veracruz
Cortes sailed into Veracruz and tookl it by force. He tried to meet with Montezuma, the Aztec king, but Montezuma refused.
