Key topic 2: The conquistadors, 1513–c1528 - 3 Impact of Spain in the…

The idea

Appointed Governor and Captain-General of New Spain in 1523, Hernán Cortés focused on consolidating Spanish control. He ordered the construction of Mexico City on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, using a Spanish grid system and indigenous forced labour. Cortés established the encomienda system, rewarding conquistadors with the right to demand tribute and labour from indigenous communities, causing widespread exploitation. He also sponsored expeditions to Honduras to expand the territory. However, his growing power alarmed the Spanish Crown. King Charles I sent officials to investigate, leading to Cortés being stripped of his governorship in 1528 and recalled to Spain.

What earns the marks

• Describe the rebuilding of Tenochtitlan into the Spanish-style Mexico City.
• Explain the implementation and impact of the encomienda system (tribute and labour, not land) under Cortés.
• Identify Cortés's efforts to expand New Spain through further expeditions, such as to Honduras.
• Explain the reasons for the Spanish Crown's growing suspicion of Cortés's power.
• Note the outcome of the Crown's investigations, resulting in his removal as Governor in 1528.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Cortés ruled New Spain independently without answering to anyone.

  Put it right: Clarify that Cortés was appointed by and ultimately accountable to the Spanish Crown, which eventually removed him from power.

• Confusing the encomienda system with land ownership or the later transatlantic slave trade.

  Put it right: Define the encomienda system specifically as a grant of indigenous labour and tribute, not a grant of land or the importation of enslaved Africans.

• Believing Cortés's time as Governor was entirely peaceful.

  Put it right: Mention that his tenure involved suppressing indigenous rebellions, managing rivalries among Spaniards, and undertaking difficult military expeditions.

Exam tips

• When discussing Cortés's governorship, explicitly link his actions to the broader impact of Spain in the Americas.
• Highlight the tension between the conquistadors on the ground and the Spanish Crown in Europe to show higher-level understanding.
• Use the rebuilding of Mexico City as a concrete example of Spanish cultural and political imposition.