Exploration and Impact of Spanish Conquistadors

Describe the significance of Christopher Columbus's voyage.

• He discovered a new trade route to India.

• He landed in North America, marking the beginning of European exploration.

• He established the first Spanish settlement in Mexico.

• He mapped the Gulf of Mexico.

How did Hernan Cortes impact Spanish interests in the Americas?

• He discovered gold in Florida.

• He mapped the Gulf of Mexico.

• He founded the first Spanish settlement in eastern Mexico and sent riches back to Spain.

• He established Fort St. Louis in Texas.

Define the contributions of Alonso Alverez de Pineda to exploration.

• He discovered the Mississippi River.

• He created detailed maps of the Gulf of Mexico coastline.

• He established the first European settlement in Texas.

• He found gold in North America.

Explain the journey of Panfilo de Narvaez and Cabeza de Vaca.

• They discovered gold in Texas.

• They established a successful settlement in Florida.

• Narvaez died, and Cabeza de Vaca became the first European in Texas, stranded for eight years.

• They mapped the entire Gulf of Mexico.

Discuss the exploration efforts of De Soto.

• He found gold in Georgia.

• He explored North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee but found no gold.

• He established the first Spanish settlement in Texas.

• He mapped the Gulf of Mexico.

How did La Salle's expedition affect Spanish interest in Texas?

• It led to the discovery of gold.

• It resulted in the establishment of Fort St. Louis, reigniting Spanish interest.

• It mapped the Gulf of Mexico.

• It led to a successful settlement in Florida.

Identify the positive effects of Spanish and French exploration.

• Spread of diseases to natives.

• Battles between settlers and natives.

• Laying land claims for Spain and gaining knowledge of the land.

• Introduction of horses to native populations.

Summarize the overall impact of Spanish exploration on Texas.

• It was a great success, leading to many settlements.

• It was largely seen as a failure, leading to a loss of interest until France threatened their land.

• It resulted in the discovery of gold.

• It led to the establishment of Fort St. Louis.

The purpose of missions in Spanish Texas was to:

• Build trade routes

• Convert Native Americans to Christianity

• Establish military bases

• Create new cities

Define presidios in the context of Spanish settlements.

• Spanish military forts

• Religious schools

• Trading posts

• Agricultural centers