Which conquistador is known for his expeditions in the early 1500s in Latin America?

The correct answer highlights both Hernando Cortez and Francisco Pizarro as key figures known for their expeditions in Latin America during the early 1500s.

Hernando Cortez is famous for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico around 1519-1521. His interactions with native civilizations and the strategies he employed to conquer such a vast empire significantly impacted the course of history in the region, leading to Spanish colonization.

On the other hand, Francisco Pizarro is recognized for his conquest of the Inca Empire in what is now modern-day Peru around the 1530s. His campaigns resulted in significant territorial gains for Spain and the establishment of Spanish power in South America.

Both conquistadors exemplify the patterns of exploration, conquest, and colonization carried out by Spain in Latin America during this period. Their actions shaped the demographic and cultural landscape of the continent, making their expeditions foundational to the history of European colonization in the Americas.