Spanish Exploration in the Americas

What were the reasons for Spain's expansion in the Americas?

• Search for the seven cities of gold

• Desire for land with people to convert to Christianity

• Exploration for new trade routes

• All of the above

What things helped Cortés conquer the Aztecs?

• All of the above

• Alliance with other indigenous groups

• Disease

• Advanced weaponry

How did Spanish rule affect the lives of the Indians?

• All of the above

• Respect for their culture and traditions

• Forced labor and exploitation

• Improved their living conditions

How did Spanish laws protect the Indians?

• All of the above

• Enslavement for those who resisted

• Encomienda system

• Laws against mistreatment and exploitation

How did Cabeza de Vaca make his way to New Spain after being washed ashore in present-day Texas?

• He was guided by the local Indians

• He was rescued by a passing ship

• He traveled westward on foot

• He built a boat and sailed to New Spain

How did Cabeza de Vaca describe the land he had seen and heard about?

• Rich in gold and silver

• All of the above

• Poor land with little farming and few settlements

• Abundant in natural resources

Explain the legends and tales of the seven cities of gold.

• The cities were believed to be founded by the seven bishops who fled from Portugal

• The Aztecs believed they came from seven caves far to the north

• Tales of gold and silver in a land some forty days' journey to the north

• All of the above

What was the role of Don Antonio de Mendoza in the Spanish exploration northward?

• He was a missionary who converted the indigenous people to Christianity

• He was a trader who established new trade routes

• He was a conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztecs

• He was a viceroy who sent expeditions to find the seven cities of gold

What were the other reasons that drew Spaniards northward?

• Desire to find new trade routes

• Desire for land with people to convert to Christianity

• All of the above

• Search for land with abundant natural resources