Abstract

MARTINEZ SALDANA, Hugo. More a Matter of Analysis Than Opinion. Financial Issues Regarding the Hernán Cortés’ Enterprise, 1518-1520. Estud. hist. novohisp [online]. 2021, n.64, pp.83-119.  Epub June 06, 2022. ISSN 2448-6922.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iih.24486922e.2021.64.75355.

The conquest of America, interpreted as an economic enterprise, is a topic that has been sparsely worked on and even less extended. Biographies, military issues, politics, society, and religion have been the subject of further study and reflection. In particular, the shadow of Hernán Cortés continues to cast a shadow over our interpretation of the conquest, which is why it seems necessary to reread and reassess the economic and social factors that facilitated his business. The overall objective of this article is to clarify the idea of the omnipotent wealth of Cortés and reveal the role that the commercial bureaucrats of Fernandina Island and some merchants played in financing the expedition of Cortés. Such support generated disagreements and personal demands that today allow a more organic interpretation of the events described, where the social and commercial articulation is more powerful than the will of a single man.

Keywords : Cuba; Conquest of Mexico; Hernán Cortés; enterprises; trade.