what was the primary goal of hernando de soto as he explored the american southeat
The primary goal of Hernando de Soto as he explored the American Southeast was to find wealth, particularly gold and silver. De Soto believed that there were vast resources of these precious metals in the region, and his main objective was to locate them and claim them for Spain. Additionally, he aimed to establish Spanish colonies and expand Spanish influence in the New World.
The primary goal of Hernando de Soto as he explored the American Southeast was to find and acquire wealth and resources, particularly precious metals such as gold and silver. He hoped to replicate the success of other Spanish explorers, such as Christopher Columbus and Francisco Pizarro, who had brought back significant amounts of treasure from their expeditions in the Americas. Additionally, de Soto aimed to expand Spanish influence and establish colonies in the region, thereby increasing Spain's territorial holdings and power.
The primary goal of Hernando de Soto's exploration of the American Southeast was to find wealth and riches, particularly gold and silver, for himself and for the Spanish Empire.
To find the answer to this question, you can start by researching the background and motivations of Hernando de Soto, who was a Spanish conquistador and explorer. De Soto participated in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in South America, which fueled his desire for further riches and fame.
During the 16th century, the Spanish Empire was expanding its territories and seeking new sources of wealth. De Soto was granted permission by the Spanish crown to explore and colonize the interior of what is now the southeastern United States.
De Soto had heard rumors of rich kingdoms and abundant gold in the region, so he led an expedition that began in 1539. His primary objective was to find gold, silver, and other valuable resources to enrich himself and to further expand Spanish influence.
As the expedition explored areas such as present-day Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas, they encountered various Native American tribes. De Soto hoped to establish alliances with these indigenous groups and gain their support in finding the desired wealth.
However, despite their extensive travels, De Soto's expedition did not find the riches they sought. They faced numerous hardships, including hostile encounters with native populations, disease, and challenging natural conditions. De Soto himself died during the expedition in 1542.
In summary, the primary goal of Hernando de Soto as he explored the American Southeast was to acquire wealth, particularly gold and silver, for both personal gain and the Spanish Empire.