Spanish Explorers of Florida

Who was the Spanish explorer who discovered Florida in 1513?

• Hernán Cortés

• Francisco Pizarro

• Vasco Núñez de Balboa

• Juan Ponce de León

What was the main objective of Hernando de Soto's expeditions in Florida?

• Find gold and other riches.

• Find a new maritime route to Asia.

• Convert the Native Americans to Christianity.

• Establish a permanent colony in the region.

Who founded the city of St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States?

• Francisco Vázquez de Coronado

• Hernando de Soto

• Pedro Menéndez de Avilés

• Juan Ponce de León

What was the role of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in the colonization of Florida?

• Discoverer of the fountain of youth in Florida

• Founder of the first Spanish colony in Florida

• Explorer who discovered gold in Florida

• Leader of the French expedition to Florida

What importance does San Agustín, Florida, have in the history of Spanish exploration?

• It was the oldest continuous European settlement in the United States.

• It was the first Spanish settlement in North America.

• It was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

• It was an important trading center for Spain in North America.

How did the Spanish exploration affect the culture and society of Florida?

• Promoting cultural and religious diversity

• Fostering Florida's independence

• Introducing democracy as a form of government

• Introducing new crops, animals, and diseases, as well as establishing Catholicism as the dominant religion.

What changes did the Spanish exploration bring to the flora and fauna of Florida?

• No changes in the flora and fauna

• Introduction of new species of plants and animals, as well as alteration of natural habitats.

• Disappearance of all exotic plants

• Extinction of all native species

What was the lasting legacy of Spanish exploration in Florida?

• Discovery of the Mississippi River

• Establishment of St. Augustine

• Introduction of the potato to Florida

• Construction of the Panama Canal