What two things did Cortes and his men do when they reached Mexico? Select ALL correct optionsBuilt arms1Built houses2Fought indigenous people3Claimed towns4

Hernán Cortés and his men, upon reaching Mexico, engaged in several significant actions. The two correct options from your list are:

1. Fought indigenous people: Cortés and his men encountered various indigenous groups, and conflict often ensued. They fought against the Aztecs and other tribes to establish dominance over the region.

2. Claimed towns: Cortés claimed towns for Spain as part of his expedition and conquest. This involved taking control of strategic locations and asserting Spanish authority over the indigenous population.

Explanation

When Cortés arrived in Mexico in the early 16th century, he was motivated by the quest for wealth and the expansion of Spanish territory. The conflicts with indigenous people were primarily aimed at subjugating them and taking control of their resources. The claiming of towns was part of the broader strategy of colonization, which involved not just military conquest but also the establishment of Spanish governance and the integration of these towns into the Spanish Empire. Cortés's actions were significant in the context of European imperialism and altered the course of history in the Americas.

The other options, such as building arms and houses, were not primary focuses of their actions at that moment; their main objectives were conquest and claiming new lands for Spain.