Final answer:
Cortes and Magellan were both explorers, but they had different goals and achievements. Cortes conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico, while Magellan circumnavigated the globe. Cortes aimed for wealth and expansion, while Magellan focused on exploration and finding a new trade route.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Cortes and Magellan:
Both Cortes and Magellan were explorers who made significant contributions to the age of exploration. However, they differed in their goals and achievements. Cortes is known for his conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico, while Magellan is famous for his voyage that circumnavigated the globe. Cortes aimed to find gold and other riches in the New World, while Magellan sought a westward route to the Spice Islands.
While both explorers were sponsored by European powers, Cortes was funded by Spain, and Magellan originally sought funding from Portugal but later received support from Spain. Cortes' expedition was primarily military in nature, with the goal of expanding Spanish influence and gaining wealth. Magellan's voyage, on the other hand, was primarily focused on exploration and finding a new trade route to Asia.
In terms of their achievements, Cortes successfully defeated the powerful Aztec Empire and established Spanish control over Mexico. He paved the way for Spanish colonization and the eventual formation of New Spain. Magellan, on the other hand, led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, proving that the Earth was indeed round and opening up new possibilities for trade and exploration.