Final answer:
Hernán Cortés was the most important explorer/conquistador to Texas history. His conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico and the Spanish drive to expand their empire paved the way for explorations that reached Texas, such as Hernando de Soto's expedition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Texas history, one of the most important explorers/conquistadors was Hernán Cortés. Cortés is most known for his conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico, but his influence also extended to Texas.
Spain's drive to enlarge its empire led other conquistadors to push further into the Americas, including Texas. Hernando de Soto, who had participated in Pizarro's conquest of the Inca, explored what is now Texas in the early 16th century.
Although de Soto's expedition did not result in the discovery of significant wealth, it had a lasting impact on Texas history and contributed to the Spanish colonization of the region.