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... judgement upon the significance of Hernan Cortes' leadership. Although the role of Hernan Cortes is central to this question, other factors must be weighed in comparison. Ross Hassig1 lays out nine key factors behind the collapse of the Aztecs, the personal characteristics of Cortes being just one. This is not to downplay Cortes' role in the conquest. Indeed were it not for the characteristics of Cortes the 1519 voyage may never have been launched at all. Rather than for political or religious reasons, Spanish exploration during this period was used primarily as a means to economic expansion. The wealthy Governor Velasquez sponsored the 1519 voyage ostensibly for exploration but effectively to seek the almost mythical wealth of the Aztec civilisation. Although Velasquez had initially placed Cortes in charge of the expedition, rumours concerning his "trustworthiness, ambitions and political manoeuvrings"2 persuaded him to review his leadership. Upon learning of ...