Reasons for Exploration
What were the three main reasons for Spanish exploration?
Gold, God, Glory
Who conquered the Aztec empire in Mexico, establishing Spanish rule?
Hernán Cortés
Why is the year 1519 significant in Texas history?
First reliable map of the Texas coastline was created
Which European country built settlements along rivers and became successful in the fur trade?
France
What were Spanish soldier-explorers called?
Conquistadors
Which explorer traveled west in 1492 looking for a trade route to Asia, but discovered the Americas instead?
Christopher Columbus
Which explorer mapped the Texas coastline in 1519?
Álvaréz de Pineda
Cabeza de Vaca’s journal had what effect on exploration?
It fueled further exploration in North America
Establishing trade networks with Native Americans was a main goal of which country?
France
Which religion did Spain try to spread during the Age of Contact?
Catholicism
What was the initial reason most European explorers sailed to the Americas?
Find new trade routes to Asia
Who was shipwrecked in Texas, lived among the Karankawa, and wrote a journal about his experiences?
Cabeza de Vaca
What was the most important result of La Salle’s failed expedition in Texas?
Spain renewed interest in Texas and began colonizing
What action by La Salle caused conflict with Spain?
He built a French fort in Texas
Which European country originally started the Reconquista before turning toward exploration?
Spain
What motivated Spanish conquistadors to continue their expeditions despite hardships like hunger and injury?
Gold
Which explorer led an expedition through the Southwest searching for Cibola but never found gold?
Francisco Coronado
Why did Spain eventually lose interest in Texas during the Age of Contact?
They found no riches like gold
After La Salle’s expedition, how did Spain strengthen its claim over Texas?
By establishing more settlements in Texas
Which statement best defines the Age of Contact era?
Spanish and French explorers both claimed land in Texas
What legend inspired explorers such as Coronado to travel through Texas searching for riches?
Cibola, the Seven Cities of Gold
Which French explorer shipwrecked at Matagorda Bay and built Fort St. Louis in Texas?
La Salle
What was the main reason Spain built settlements in Texas?
To block the French from controlling Texas
Why did La Salle’s failed expedition at Fort St. Louis cause Spain to increase colonization in Texas?
Because Spain feared France might claim Texas
Explain what Cibola was and its role in European exploration.
Legend of golden cities; motivated explorers to search Texas and the Southwest