Who am I
My greatest contribution to later Spanish exploration was information, not treasure. I explored the Texas coast and created something later explorers could use.
Pineda
Cortés conquers the Aztec Empire
Other Spaniards are encouraged to explore in search of wealth, land, and glory.
“Pineda's expedition was important because he established Spain's first permanent settlement in Texas.”
FALSE — Pineda explored and mapped the Texas coast.
Spain → Gold
France → __________
Fur trade
I am the exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and New World.
What is the Columbian Exchange?
I did not intentionally set out to explore Texas, but after disaster brought me there, my experiences ultimately encouraged Spain to send more expeditions.
Cabeza de Vaca
Pineda maps the Texas coast → Spain gains better knowledge of the region →
Spanish territorial interest/exploration of Texas increases.
“Cabeza de Vaca intentionally traveled to Texas to search for the Seven Cities of Gold.”
FALSE — He ended up in Texas after being shipwrecked.
Spain was already interested in Texas before La Salle arrived.
So why was La Salle's expedition still a turning point?
It showed that another European power was interested in the region and threatened Spain's claim.
I am the Texas region where Cabeza de Vaca landed after his shipwreck.
What is the Coastal Plains?
I saw what appeared to be a wealthy settlement from a distance. My interpretation helped convince Spain that earlier reports of riches might be true.
Fray Marcos/Esteban
Cabeza de Vaca never discovered the Seven Cities of Gold, yet his experiences helped cause Coronado's expedition. HOW?
Cabeza de Vaca reported stories of possible riches, which led to further investigation and eventually Coronado's search for Cíbola.
“Fray Marcos personally entered a city filled with gold, which is why Spain sent Coronado.”
Answer: FALSE — He saw a pueblo from a distance that appeared golden and believed reports of riches could be true.
A Spanish official learns that France has established a presence in territory Spain claims.
Based on Spain's actual response, name TWO things Spain would eventually establish to strengthen its presence.
Missions & presidios
I am the legendary place the Spanish believed could contain seven cities filled with riches.
What is Cíbola?
I am connected to Cíbola AND the Great Plains, was led to believe I would find a city of gold TWICE, but my expedition ultimately weakened the idea that Texas and the Southwest contained enormous riches.
Coronado
Spain's early explorers failed to find the riches they wanted. Later, Spain became interested in Texas again. What changed?
French interest in Texas threatened Spain's territorial claim.
“Because Coronado found no treasure, Spain never again had an important reason to strengthen its claim to Texas.”
FALSE — French interest in Texas later gave Spain a reason to protect and strengthen its claim.
Explain the irony:
La Salle's French expedition failed, but it still helped increase European settlement of Texas.
Although the French effort failed, it made Spain fear losing its claim, encouraging Spain to establish missions, presidios, and towns in Texas.
I am a military outpost Spain built to help protect its territorial claims.
What is a presidio?
My expedition failed to give my country permanent control of Texas, I was killed for being a poor leader, yet my experience had a major effect on what a different European country thought about Texas.
La Salle
Cabeza de Vaca → __________ → __________ → Coronado
Cabeza de Vaca → Fray Marcos/Esteban → reports about Cíbola → Coronado.
La Salle's expedition was significant because France successfully took control of Texas from Spain.
FALSE — Its significance was that French interest in Texas worried Spain and helped motivate Spain to strengthen its presence.
Spain claimed Texas before France showed interest in the area. Why did French exploration still matter to Spain?
It threatened Spain's territorial claim and gave Spain a reason to strengthen its presence in Texas.
I am something Pineda AND Cabeza de Vaca both increased, even though one intentionally explored Texas and the other arrived after a shipwreck.
What is Spanish knowledge of Texas?