Row 1
What was the name of the Italian sailor who thought he might reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean? The concept was audacious because no one knew how large the Atlantic was or what lay beyond it.
Christopher Columbus
Conquistadores fought in armor and steel helmets, using muskets and superbly manufactured swords, with a few riding powerful horses. The conquistadores were a terrifying sight to the indigenous people, who had never seen horses or steel weapons. What native Indian culture was alarmed?
Caribbean
In which month and year did the Spaniards and their allies attack Tenochtitlán?
May 1521
When Spaniards spotted American Indians wearing gold jewelry, they inquired about where they could get more of the metal. The American Indians described a northern location as rich in gold. What was the location known as?
Apalachee
During his captivity, Cabeza de Vaca met three other Narváez expedition survivors who had become Coahuiltec slaves. Alonzo del Castillo and Andrés Dorantes had previously been Narváez's captains. What was the name of the third individual, a North African slave?
Estevanico
Who financed Christopher Columbus' expedition and provided him with ships?
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
What was the name of the conquistador who sailed from Spanish Cuba to Mexico's eastern coast in 1519?
Hernán Cortés
Spain had acquired the Aztec Empire's vast wealth and land, bringing much of its gold and silver, as well as artifacts, to Spain. What did Cortés build on top of Tenochtitlán's ruins?
Mexico City
“It became clear that we could leave this terrible land only by dying.”
Who stated this?
Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
After two years of preparing an escape, the four men, including Cabeza de Vaca, fled along the coast in search of Mexico. Throughout their travels, they encountered a variety of people. What were the names of those they met?
Atakapas, Karankawas, and Coahuiltecans
What were the names of the three ships that Christopher Columbus and his crew sailed in?
Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María.
The Aztec Empire's ruler was known by what name?
Moctezuma II
Where did the capital of New Spain eventually extend?
California to Florida to Mexico
After becoming stranded, Spaniards utilized whatever materials they could find to construct several small, frail boats. A massive storm struck about a month after they set sail, and three of the boats, including Narváez's, washed ashore on the Texas coast, most likely in or near where?
Matagorda Bay
Cabeza de Vaca extracted an arrowhead from a man's chest and patched the wound. The operation astounded the American Indians who watched. As a result, the Spaniards were acclaimed as what?
Healers
On which date did Christopher Columbus and his company set sail for the New World?
August 3, 1492
What was the name of the Indian who helped Cortés overcome the obstacles and earn supporters among the subjugated peoples?
Malintzin
Who was the first European to visit the Texas coast with his crew, as well as the first to map the northern Gulf of Mexico?
Alonso Álvarez de Pineda
Two Spanish boats were shipwrecked on a Texas island, possibly Galveston or San Luis. How many explorers made it there?
80
What skills did Estevanico attribute to the survival of explorers among American Indian groups?
Communicating
On October 12th, Christopher Columbus' fleet eventually landed on an island in what is now the Bahamas. Columbus named the island San Salvador; what other names does it go by?
Holy Savior
The Aztec Empire's capital is known as what?
Tenochtitlán
Who conducted an expedition to the Gulf of Mexico with the hope of discovering riches?The voyage featured five ships carrying approximately 600 men and horses.
Pánfilo de Narváez
In what year did the Age of Contact in Texas begin?
1528
Cabeza de Vaca and his companions encountered a group of Spanish troops who revealed their identities and guided them to Mexico City. There, they met with the viceroy and briefed him on their mission, which completed when Cabeza de Vaca returned to Spain. What year did this occur?
1536
Which title was given to Spanish soldier-adventurers seeking glory, gold, and land?
Conquistadores
Which group of Indians did Hernán Cortés persuade to assist him and build cannon-armed boats in order to eventually wipe out the Aztec capital?
Mexican
When did the Narváez expedition reach Florida and land near Tampa Bay?
April 1528
The Narváez explorers were once again stranded with many men losing their clothing at sea and having nothing to wear. With winter approaching, the situation was bleak; just when they were giving up hope, what group of individuals emerged to help?
Karankawas
What year did Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca publish his travel account, which became the first European description of North America's country and people?
1542