Spanish Colonization and Age of Contact Test Review

What is General Alonso de Leon MOST known for?

• He was sent to destroy Fort St. Louis

• He built the Alamo

• He was the French governor of Louisiana

• He founded Nacogdoches

Answer explanation

General Alonso de Leon is most renowned for his mission to destroy Fort St. Louis. This marked a significant point in his military career and is the main reason for his historical significance. The other options, such as building the Alamo, being the French governor of Louisiana, and founding Nacogdoches, are not as closely associated with his legacy.

Choose the MOST correct answer. What was the primary purpose of the Spanish mission system in Texas?

• To provide military protection

• To help explore the city of Cibola

• To spread the Catholic religion to Native Texans

• To educate Spanish children

Answer explanation

The Spanish mission system in Texas was primarily established to spread the Catholic religion to Native Texans. The Spanish saw the missions as a means of converting the Native people to Christianity, and thus, spreading their faith was the main objective. The other options provided are not the primary purposes of the Spanish mission system.

Many names of cities in Texas, such as El Paso and San Antonio, reflect the language and culture of --

• England

• Portugal

• France

• Spain

Answer explanation

The names of many cities in Texas, such as El Paso and San Antonio, reflect the language and culture of Spain. This is because Spain colonized and influenced much of the region, including Texas, for several centuries. The Spanish language and culture are hence evident in the naming of these cities.

When was San Antonio de Valero founded?

• 1519

• 1718

• 1620

• 2022

Answer explanation

The question asks about the founding year of San Antonio de Valero. The correct answer is 1718. San Antonio de Valero, known for the historical event 'The Battle of the Alamo', was indeed founded in the year 1718, making this the correct choice among the given options.

What was a negative effect of the Spanish Mission System in Texas?

• Many Native Americans were killed by disease

• Native Texans moved to the coast

• Fighting broke out over trade

• Buffalo were wiped out by Spanish missionaires

Answer explanation

The Spanish Mission System in Texas had several impacts on Native Americans. One notable negative effect was the spread of diseases brought by the Europeans, which led to a significant decrease in the Native American population, as indicated in the correct answer.

What was a result of the French attempting to colonize Texas?

• Spain increased their settlement efforts to counter the French claim to Texas

• Fort St. Louis grew quickly into a center of trade

• France declared war on Spain

• England and France traded Texas for Florida

Answer explanation

The French attempt to settle in Texas resulted in Spain increasing their settlement efforts as a countermeasure. Spain wanted to ensure that the French did not lay claim to Texas and so they quickened their own colonization plans. This shows that the correct answer to the question is 'Spain increased their settlement efforts to counter the French claim to Texas'.

To protect colonists from attacks by Native Texans

• presidio

• mission

• viceroy

• convert

Answer explanation

The term 'presidio' refers to a military fort or garrison, often in territories that were once part of the Spanish Empire. In the context of the question, the colonists would have established presidios to protect themselves from attacks by Native Texans. The other options - mission, viceroy, and convert - don't fit the context as they aren't forms of protection.

Native Texans did not care for mission life, the population inside missions declined, it cost to much money.

All of these contributed to which result?

• the Spanish missions were NOT successful

• the Spanish missions were successful

• Spain declared war on England

• all of the missions continued into the present day

Answer explanation

The question states that native Texans did not like life in the missions, the mission population was decreasing, and the cost of maintaining the missions was high. These elements indicate that the missions were facing various difficulties, and so were not successful. Therefore, the answer is that the Spanish missions were not successful.

Some Spanish missions that began in the eighteenth century became permanent settlements that eventually became -

• major cities

• independent states

• presidios

• giant churches

Answer explanation

The question asks about the eventual result of some Spanish missions that started in the 18th century. The correct answer is 'major cities'. This is because many of these missions were established in strategic locations to convert native people and serve as centers for colonization. Over time, these missions grew in importance and size, eventually evolving into major urban centers.

The religious beliefs of Spanish colonizers in Texas were -

• Catholic

• Protestant

• Pagan

• Not religious

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Catholic. The Spanish colonizers in Texas were primarily Catholic. This reflects the prevalent religion in Spain during the period of colonization. The other options, Protestant, Pagan, and Not religious, are not accurate descriptions of the colonizers' beliefs.