What role did Hernán Cortés play in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?

What role did Hernán Cortés play in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?

Hernán Cortés played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. He led the expedition that resulted in the downfall of the Aztec Empire and the colonization of Mexico by the Spanish. Cortés and his men formed alliances with indigenous groups who were enemies of the Aztecs, which helped him gain military support and intelligence. He also utilized superior weaponry, tactics, and diseases to weaken and defeat the Aztec forces. Cortés captured the Aztec ruler, Montezuma II, and used him as a puppet leader to maintain control over the empire. Overall, Cortés' leadership and strategic decisions were instrumental in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.