Texas History Test. (Age of Contact and Spanish Colonial)

Let's take a trip back in time! Can you guess what 'Missions' were in history?

• Religious settlements designed to convert Native Americans

•  military forts designed to protect the missions

• Someone who is part Spanish part Native American

• Land agents who sell land to new settlers

Answer explanation

The term 'Missions' in history generally refers to religious settlements established with the primary aim of converting indigenous populations, in this case, Native Americans. They were used by colonizers, especially in the Americas, to spread Christianity among the native populace.

Let's take a trip back in time! Can you guess what 'presidios' were in the historical context?

• Were they religious settlements designed to convert Native Americans?

• Or, were they  military forts designed to protect the missions?

• Could they be someone who is part Spanish part Native American?

• Or, were they land agents who sell land to new settlers?

Answer explanation

Presidios in the historical context were military forts designed to protect the missions. This can be understood by elimination of the other options. They were not religious settlements, nor part Spanish part Native American, or land agents who sold land to new settlers.

How did the Spanish respond to the French threat?

• By creating missions along the coast

• By creating missions in East Texas

• By building missions in Louisiana

• By starting missions in West Texas

Answer explanation

In response to the French threat, the Spanish acted by creating missions in East Texas. This strategic move was intended to establish a presence and exert influence in the region, offering a direct counter to the perceived threat from the French. This course of action was deemed the most appropriate response given the circumstances.

Can you guess one of the unfortunate impacts of the Spanish Mission system in Texas?

• Did the diseases brought by Spanish Missionaries lead to the demise of Natives?

• Were Natives relocated to the Coast to accommodate the Missionaries?

• Did the Natives cause the extinction of buffalo?

• Did the Natives eliminate all the Missionaries?

Answer explanation

One of the unfortunate impacts of the Spanish Mission system in Texas was indeed the demise of many Natives, due to diseases brought by the missionaries. This choice is correct because it directly addresses the impact that the mission system had on the indigenous population, specifically the introduction of devastating diseases.

Imagine you're on a thrilling quest in Spain, and you stumble upon a beautiful cathedral. You realize it's a place of worship for a certain denomination of Christianity. Can you guess what it is?

• Catholicism

• Buddhism

• Protestantism

• None of the above

Answer explanation

The cathedral you stumble upon in Spain is a place of worship for Catholicism. Spain is a predominantly Catholic country and most of its places of worship, especially grand structures like cathedrals, are dedicated to this denomination of Christianity. The other options, Buddhism and Protestantism, are not as prevalent in Spain.

Imagine you're a time traveler in the year 1685! Can you guess which European country was giving Spain a tough time with their claim to Texas?

• Germany

• France

• England

• Portugal

Answer explanation

In the late 17th century, France was indeed giving Spain a hard time with their claim to Texas. The French established a colony in Texas, around the same time Spain was trying to solidify its control over the region. This led to tensions between the two European powers.

Ready for a time travel adventure? Let's go back to the Spanish colonial era in Texas! Can you guess which of these Spanish missions was the first to plant its roots in Texas soil?

• Corpus Christi De la ysleta

• San Francisco De los Tejas

• San Antonio De Valero

• None of the above

Answer explanation

The first Spanish mission to plant its roots in Texas soil was indeed the Corpus Christi De la Ysleta. The mission was established in 1682 near present-day El Paso. Therefore, it predates the establishment of the other options listed, San Francisco De los Tejas and San Antonio De Valero.

Who are the adventurous folks that love to travel from one place to another?

• Nomadic

• Sedentary

• Anglo

• Pueblo Indians

Answer explanation

The question asks about a group of people who are adventurous and love to travel from one place to another. 'Nomadic' is the correct choice, as it refers to those who do not have a fixed home and move from place to place, usually in search of food or to carry out their trade, which satisfies the conditions of the question.

Let's play a detective game! Can you tell me what a Primary source is?

• A tale told by a friend of a friend

• A story from someone who heard it from someone else

• A first-hand account from someone who was actually at the event

• An artifact from a completely different event

Answer explanation

A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include original documents, creative works, or relics or artifacts. Therefore, the correct option is 'A first-hand account from someone who was actually at the event' as it is a form of primary source.

Imagine you're a time traveler, and you've just landed in the era of Spanish conquests. You see a man who has just defeated the Aztecs and claimed Mexico for Spain. Who is this daring conquistador?

• Hernan Cortez

• Santa Ana

• Christopher Columbus

• None of the above

Answer explanation

The daring conquistador who defeated the Aztecs and claimed Mexico for Spain in the era of Spanish conquests was Hernan Cortez. He is renowned in history for his pivotal role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Hernan Cortez.