Age of Contact

The Era in Texas History where European explorers arrived and conquered native tribes and established settlements is called:

• The Colonial Era

• The Exploration Era

• The Conquest Era

• The Age of Contact

Answer explanation

The Age of Contact refers to the period when European explorers first arrived in Texas, interacting with and often conquering native tribes, leading to the establishment of settlements.

From what country did most explorers landing in Texas come from?

• Spain

• France

• England

• Portugal

Answer explanation

Most explorers landing in Texas were from Spain, as they were the first Europeans to explore and colonize the region in the 16th century, establishing missions and settlements.

Which explorer sailed from Florida and mapped the Texas Coastline?

• Christopher Columbus

• Hernando de Soto

• Alonso Álvarez de Pineda

• Ferdinand Magellan

Answer explanation

Alonso Álvarez de Pineda was the explorer who sailed from Florida and is known for mapping the Texas coastline in 1519, making him the correct choice among the options provided.

Which explorer traveled into various parts of Texas including South Texas and the Mountains and Basins and wrote a journal of his experiences?

• Christopher Columbus

• Hernán Cortés

• Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

• Francisco Pizarro

Answer explanation

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer who traveled extensively in Texas, including South Texas and the Mountains and Basins, documenting his experiences in a detailed journal.

What was the effect of Cabeza de Vaca's journal on Spanish Exploration?

• It discouraged further exploration.

• It had no significant impact.

• It encouraged further exploration.

• It led to the abandonment of exploration.

Answer explanation

Cabeza de Vaca's journal detailed his experiences and observations in the New World, highlighting potential resources and opportunities, which inspired further Spanish exploration and interest in the Americas.

Which Native American tribe traveled with Cabeza de Vaca and taught him how to trade and survive?

• Apache

• Comanche

• Karankawa

• Zuni

Answer explanation

The Karankawa tribe played a crucial role in helping Cabeza de Vaca survive in Texas by teaching him essential skills for trading and living off the land, making them the correct answer.

Put the following explorer expeditions in chronological order: Cortez, Columbus, Coronado, Cabeza de Vaca

• Columbus, Cortez, Cabeza de Vaca, Coronado

• Columbus, Cabeza de Vaca, Cortez, Coronado

• Cortez, Columbus, Coronado, Cabeza de Vaca

• Cabeza de Vaca, Columbus, Cortez, Coronado

Answer explanation

The correct chronological order of the expeditions is Columbus (1492), Cortez (1519), Cabeza de Vaca (1527), and Coronado (1540). Thus, the correct answer is Columbus, Cortez, Cabeza de Vaca, Coronado.

What is the significance of the year 1519 to Texas History?

• It was the year Texas declared independence.

• It was the year the first European map of the Texas coast was created.

• It was the year Texas became a state.

• It was the year the Alamo was built.

Answer explanation

The year 1519 is significant to Texas history as it marks the creation of the first European map of the Texas coast, highlighting early European exploration and interest in the region.

Which French Explorer set up a settlement off the Texas gulf coast after shipwrecking near Matagorda Bay?

• René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle

• Jacques Cartier

• Samuel de Champlain

• Jean Nicolet

Answer explanation

René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was the French explorer who established a settlement near Matagorda Bay after his shipwreck. The other explorers listed did not have this specific connection to Texas.

Coronado reached a specific area of Texas and found a landmark there. What area did he reach and what landmark did he find?

• The Panhandle; Palo Duro Canyon

• Central Texas; Enchanted Rock

• East Texas; Caddo Lake

• South Texas; Padre Island

Answer explanation

Coronado explored the Texas Panhandle and discovered Palo Duro Canyon, a significant landmark known for its stunning geological features and historical importance, making this the correct answer.