Exploration of Alonso Álvarez de Pineda

Alonso Álvarez de Pineda was a Spanish conquistador and cartographer known for his expeditions to map the Gulf of Mexico's westernmost coastlines. In 1519, he led a significant expedition from the Yucatán Peninsula to the Pánuco River, documenting the Gulf's geography. Despite challenges, including uncooperative winds and encounters with Hernán Cortés, Álvarez de Pineda mapped key areas such as Corpus Christi Bay. His work disproved the idea of a sea passage to Asia and confirmed Florida as a peninsula. His map, the first known document of Texas history, is preserved in Spain.

Who was Alonso Álvarez de Pineda?

• A Portuguese explorer

• A French navigator

• A Spanish conquistador and cartographer

• An Italian merchant

What was the main goal of Álvarez de Pineda's expeditions?

• To conquer new territories for Spain

• To establish trade routes with Native Americans

• To map the westernmost coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico

• To find a sea passage to Asia

Which river did Álvarez de Pineda sail upriver, leading historians to believe he described Mobile Bay?

• Yangtze River

• Mississippi River

• Amazon River

• Nile River

What significant event occurred on June 24, 1519, during Álvarez de Pineda's journey?

• He returned to Spain

• He discovered the Mississippi River

• He sailed into Corpus Christi Bay

• He met Hernán Cortés

Why did Álvarez de Pineda wish to establish a boundary with Hernán Cortés?

• To avoid conflict over territorial claims

• To form an alliance with Cortés

• To expand his own territory

• To trade with the Aztecs

Where did Álvarez de Pineda spend over 40 days repairing his ships?

• Las Palmas River

• Amazon River

• Nile River

• Yangtze River

What was the outcome of Álvarez de Pineda's battle with the native Huastec people?

• He was victorious and expanded his territory

• He was killed, but his map returned to Governor Garay

• He formed an alliance with the Huastec people

• He was captured and taken prisoner

What did Álvarez de Pineda's map verify about Florida?

• It was a desert

• It was an island

• It was a peninsula

• It was a mountain range

What was disproved by Álvarez de Pineda's expedition?

• The possibility of sailing around the world

• The existence of a sea passage to Asia

• The existence of Native American settlements

• The presence of gold in the Gulf region

Where is Álvarez de Pineda's map stored today?

• The British Museum

• The Louvre

• The Arquivo General de Indias in Spain

• The Smithsonian Institution