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He moved to Cuba in 1509 and in 1511 he agreed to help Diego Velazquez in the Spanish conquest of Cuba. In battles there, he proved to be a capable, brave soldier. In return, Governor Velazquez rewarded Cortes for his service by giving him an even larger grant of land and more Indian slaves.
When news arrived about the Mayan Civilization on the Yucatan peninsula and the fact that explorers had found treasures of silver and gold there, the atmosphere in Cuba became more and more like a "Gold Rush." Governor Velazquez decided to send an expedition to Yucatan. On October 23, 1518 he chose Cortes as its commanding officer.
The Cortes Expedition
Cortes prepared for his expedition by using his own money to buy muskets, ammunition, crossbows, navigational instruments and supplies. He pulled together an army of Spaniards, promising them gold, land, and Indian slaves. After all his money was gone, he borrowed money from friends and mortgaged his plantation. Governor Velasquez became concerned that Cortes' expedition was becoming larger than was originally planned. Velasquez decided to relieve Cortes of his command, but Cortes' brother-in-law killed the messenger carrying the governor's orders. [more]
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