Hernan Cortez

Conquistadors: These were Spanish explorers and warriors who successfully conquered much of America in the 16th century.

Aztec Empire: This was an alliance of three Nahua altepetl city-states: Mexico-Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. It ruled central Mexico from 1428 until it fell to Cortez's forces in 1521.

Spanish colonization: This refers to Spain's conquests in the New World, which began with Columbus' discovery in 1492 and continued into the late 19th century.