European Explorers That Impacted Texas

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The way to get power and wealth was New World N. & S. America European nations * Early exploration in the “new world” of the Americas was motivated by the economic idea called Mercantilism- the belief that a nation’s (country’s) power is based on its wealth ($$) African nations The way to get power and wealth was for nations to claim land in many areas and also to trade with other nations

Christopher Columbus Date: 1492 Country: Sailed for Spain Where: Islands of the Caribbean Significance: He is known as the first European to explore the Caribbean. Because of his success, Spain sent more explorers

Hernán Cortes Date: 1519 Country: Spain Where: Mexico Significance: Sent by Spain to find riches Conquered the Aztecs (became Mexico City) Found vast wealth in gold and silver First European to explore Central America Never actually entered Texas land https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8niQ1ZAbwU 0-2:50; 13:00-13:58; 15:10-17:07; 35:09-36:54; 40:00-40:55

Alonso Alvarez de Pineda Date: 1519 Country: Spain Where: Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas Significance: First person to map the coastline of Texas. His work made it easier for future explorers because they knew where to start their exploration

Alvar Cabeza de Vaca Date: 1528-1536 Country: Spain Where: Texas Significance: Shipwrecked near Galveston because of severe weather and misfortune First Spaniard to enter Texas Lived among the Karankawas and adapted to Native American culture Urged other explorers to use restraint in dealing with Native Americans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stkeVcrt4nE

Hernando De Soto Date: 1539-1542 Country: Spain Where: Southeastern U. S. Significance: Explored the Mississippi River Known for his cruelty to natives Died before reaching Texas His 2nd in command was Luis de Moscoso. Moscoso lead the expedition to Mexico .

Francisco Vázquez de Coronado Date: 1540-1541 Country: Spain Where: areas now known as Arizona, New Mexico, North Texas & Kansas Significance: Searched for Cibola: The 7 Cities of Gold Search was a failure – did NOT reach the city of Cibola! Found fertile soil for farming Continued north in search of treasure

Sieur de La Salle Date: 1681-1682, 1685 Country: France Where: Mississippi River Significance: He explored the Mississippi River and established a settlement for France Claimed Louisiana for France Returned for 2nd expedition; got lost & landed in Matagorda Bay, Texas First French colony named Fort St. Loius Effect: Spain increased their efforts to claim more land in Texas