Read the passage below:
In the early 16th century, both Spanish and French explorers set their sights on the land we now know as Texas. In 1519, a Spanish explorer named Alonso Álvarez de Pineda sailed along the Gulf Coast and became the first European to map the Texas coastline. Then, in 1528, another Spanish explorer named Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and his crew shipwrecked near Galveston Island. They were the first Europeans to set foot on Texas soil.
Cabeza de Vaca and his crew spent the next several years wandering through Texas, encountering various Native American tribes along the way. They faced many hardships, including disease, hunger, and attacks from hostile tribes. Despite these challenges, Cabeza de Vaca and a few others managed to survive and eventually made their way to Mexico City. He wrote a book called La Racion which inspired other Spanish explorers to come to Texas to find wealth.
Meanwhile, the Spanish continued their exploration of Texas. In 1540, a Spanish conquistador named Francisco Vázquez de Coronado led an expedition into the region in search of wealth and glory. However, Coronado's mission ultimately failed to find the riches he had hoped for. Nevertheless, his journey provided valuable information about the land and its native inhabitants.
During this time, the Columbian Exchange was also taking place. This was a period of widespread exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas). As a result, many new plants and animals were introduced to Texas, while diseases brought by the Europeans had a devastating impact on the native populations.
The Spanish presence in Texas continued to grow, and they established missions and presidios (forts) to claim the land for Spain. These missions served as religious outposts and centers of Spanish influence. Soldiers, often on horseback, protected the missions and explored the surrounding areas.
In the early 18th century, the French also became interested in Texas. They saw it as an opportunity to expand their territory and gain control over valuable resources. The French even sold guns to some Native American tribes, which caused tensions with the Spanish.
The border between Spanish Texas and French Louisiana became a source of conflict. Both sides wanted to control the lucrative fur trade in the region. This led to several skirmishes and disputes over land boundaries.
In conclusion, the early exploration of Texas by Spanish and French explorers laid the foundation for the future development of the region. These explorers faced numerous challenges, but their efforts paved the way for the establishment of missions, the spread of diseases, and the eventual colonization of Texas by European powers.
1 Who was the first European to map the Texas coastline?
2 What were some of the challenges faced by Cabeza de Vaca and his crew during their time in Texas?
3 Why did the French become interested in Texas?
Instructions: Answer ONE question below, based on the reading passage above and your own knowledge and experience as it relates to the top
4 How do you think the early explorers felt when they faced hardships and challenges in Texas? How does this relate to a time when you faced a difficult situation?
5 What do you think were the most important reasons for the Spanish and French explorers to explore and claim Texas? Can you think of any goals or dreams that you have for your own future?
6 How do you think the Columbian Exchange affected the native populations in Texas? Can you think of any examples of how different cultures have influenced each other in your own community?
(Short 1 sentence answer response.)
1. The first European to map the Texas coastline was Alonso Álvarez de Pineda.
2. Cabeza de Vaca and his crew faced challenges such as disease, hunger, and attacks from hostile tribes during their time in Texas.
3. The French became interested in Texas as they saw it as an opportunity to expand their territory and gain control over valuable resources.
4. The early explorers likely felt determined and resilient in the face of hardships, similar to how I felt when I faced a difficult situation.
5. The most important reasons for the Spanish and French explorers to explore and claim Texas were to find wealth, glory, and to expand their territories. Similarly, I have goals and dreams for my own future, such as pursuing a successful career and experiencing personal growth.
6. The Columbian Exchange had a devastating impact on the native populations in Texas, introducing new diseases that caused a decline in their numbers. Similarly, different cultures in my own community have influenced each other in various ways, such as through food, language, and traditions.
1. The first European to map the Texas coastline was Alonso Álvarez de Pineda.
2. Cabeza de Vaca and his crew faced challenges such as disease, hunger, and attacks from hostile Native American tribes during their time in Texas.
3. The French became interested in Texas because they saw it as an opportunity to expand their territory and gain control over valuable resources.
1. The first European to map the Texas coastline was Alonso Álvarez de Pineda, a Spanish explorer.
2. Some of the challenges faced by Cabeza de Vaca and his crew during their time in Texas included disease, hunger, and attacks from hostile Native American tribes.
3. The French became interested in Texas because they saw it as an opportunity to expand their territory and gain control over valuable resources.
Answer: 6. The Columbian Exchange had a devastating impact on the native populations in Texas, as diseases brought by the Europeans caused a decline in their numbers. In my own community, different cultures have influenced each other through food, language, and celebrations.