RETAKE: Age of Exploration Test

"We went to look and found all the houses sacked, the boxes all broken, and the bottle cases, also, the other furnishings that the settlers had; more than 200 books in the French language, broken and the pages thrown and the patios were rotten. We discerned that the aggressors of these dead had taken all that they had outside the houses and divided it and that which was of no use to them, they destroyed." - General Alonso de Leon, personal journal

Based on the text, which conclusion can be made about General Alonso de Leon's time in New Spain?

• He was sent to destroy Fort St. Louis and support Spanish claims in Texas.

• He was responsible for building the Alamo and writing about his findings.

• He was the French governor of Louisiana that defeated the Spanish.

• He founded the city of Nacogdoches in East Texas.

Answer explanation

The question describes General Alonso de Leon's account from his personal journal about the state of the houses he found, which were ransacked and destroyed. Out of all the options, the one that best aligns with this account is that he was sent to destroy Fort St. Louis and support Spanish claims in Texas. This action would lead to the scenes of destruction and abandonment that he documented.

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 quickly grew into an important center of trade with Native Texans.

• France declared war on Spain.

• The British and French traded Texas for Florida.

Answer explanation

The French attempt to colonize Texas led to a counter-effort from Spain. To protect their interests and challenge the French claim, Spain amplified their settlement initiatives in Texas. This strategy aimed at establishing a stronger Spanish presence and influence in the region, thereby undermining the French colonization attempts.

Which statement BEST completes the diagram above?

• To promote free enterprise

• To extend democracy

• To expand the Spanish Empire

• To develop peaceful communities with the Natives

Answer explanation

The question is asking for the best statement to complete the diagram, and the answer is 'To expand the Spanish Empire.' This indicates that the diagram was likely discussing the motives or actions of the Spanish during the colonial period, during which they notably sought to expand their empire.

Which explorer was shipwrecked on the Texas coast, learned to perform surgery, explored the interior of Texas, and reported rumors of the City of Cibola?

• Columbus

• Pineda

• La Salle

• Cabeza de Vaca

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Cabeza de Vaca. He was a Spanish explorer who was shipwrecked on the Texas coast. During his time stranded, he learned to perform surgery and explored the interior of Texas. He also reported rumors of the City of Cibola, a mythical city of gold.

Which explorer accomplished a significant feat in 1519?

• La Salle established Fort Saint Louis

• The Catholic priest Hidalgo established a mission in Corpus Christi

• Pineda mapped the Gulf Coast of Texas

• Coronado discovered the City of Cibola and became wealthy

Answer explanation

The question asks about a significant achievement by an explorer in 1519. The correct answer is that Pineda mapped the Gulf Coast of Texas. This accomplishment is notable because it was the first detailed map of the Texas Gulf Coast, providing valuable information for future explorers and settlers. The other options refer to events that either occurred at a different time or were accomplished by different individuals.

Match the following events with the year it occurred?

• 1540

• Pineda Mapped the Coast of Texas

• 1519

• Coronado Began to Explore Texas

• 1682

• La Salle's first expedition

• 1528

• Cabeza de Vaca Landed In Texas

What was Cibola?

• A legend about the seven cities of gold

• The disease that killed Native Americans

• A Spanish ship

• The Mission established in Texas

Answer explanation

Cibola is a reference to the fabled seven cities of gold, according to legends. These cities were supposedly located in the Southwest United States. The Spanish conquerors were particularly attracted by these legends during the age of exploration. The other options mentioned do not correspond to the historical or mythological significance of Cibola.

Which of the following was NOT a goal of the Spanish in exploring the New World?

• To defeat the English Empire

• To make their country more powerful

• To gain wealth for the country

• To spread Christianity in the region

Answer explanation

The primary goals of the Spanish in exploring the New World were to obtain wealth, expand their empire, and spread Christianity. However, defeating the English Empire was not a goal during their exploration of the New World as conflicts between Spain and England only intensified later. Hence, the option 'To defeat the English Empire' is correct.

During the Exploration Era, which two countries fought over the region of Texas?

• France and England

• Spain and England

• France and Spain

• Spain and the United States

Answer explanation

During the Exploration Era, the region of Texas was a subject of dispute mainly between France and Spain. Both of these countries established colonies in the Americas and sought to extend their territories, leading to conflicts over areas like Texas. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'France and Spain'.

Cabeza de Vaca shared stories of adventure from his travels through the Coastal Plains. His stories of treasures convinced many ​ (a)   to explore what is now Texas.

• conquistadors

• Karankawa

• Mexicans

• Caddo

Answer explanation

In the context of the question, the most probable word to fit in the blank would be 'conquistadors'. This is because Cabeza de Vaca, a known explorer, would have most likely inspired other explorers or 'conquistadors' with his stories, inciting them to explore new territories such as Texas.