Meaning "conqueror", the word referred in general to Spanish soldiers and explorers operating in the Americas. As opposed to the regular military forces, the Conquistadors were organised more loosely and were practically self-governed, receiving little assistance from the government. They were volunteers, often coming from lower classes and hoping to increase their social status. Although they did clash with the natives occasionally (the most infamous case being Hernan Cortez), their role in bringing American empires to their demise was marginal at best.