1. European Explorers That Impacted Texas

2. http://app. discoveryeducation

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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
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6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 .

9. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado
Date:
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

10. 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