The logo for Lesson 6 is Hernán Cortés

The Spanish conquest of their American empires was carried out primarily by individuals who organized and financed their own expeditions after having obtained the permission and authorization of the King by means of a formal contract. The first set of conquerors who agreed to these terms were called "adelantados" (the King's advance men), and it was up to them to persuade the other members of their party to join them, with promises of land, adventure and booty as their reward. This type of enterprise was derived from the patterns which were used in the Reconquest against the Moors, which was generally carried out by small groups of armed men under the authority of one of many kings or princes. They fought for the religious purpose of expelling the Moors, but they were also motivated by the desire to take over the lands and serfs held by their enemies. Thus, it was easy for the Spanish, who saw the conquest of America as an extension or a continuation of their Reconquest battles against the Arabs, to use the same methods.