Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador, or conqueror, best remembered for conquering the Aztec empire in 1521 and claiming Mexico for Spain. ... "He was a smart, ambitious man who wanted to appropriate new land for the Spanish crown, convert native inhabitants to Catholicism, and plunder the lands for gold and riches."They were trying to keep their gods happy so the god would postpone the end of the world. The Spanish had no idea at first how lucky they were to be alive after they entered the capital city. The Spanish were looking for people to convert to the Catholic religion, and gold to capture. The Spanish seemed to have somewhat mixed feelings about the Aztecs. They were awe inspired by the Aztec magnificent capital city, Tenochtitlan