What was the primary goal of Hernando de Soto as he explored the American southeast?
• A. To find gold
• B. To conquer land
• C. To convert Native Americans
• D. To develop trade partnerships
A. To find gold
The primary goal of Hernando de Soto as he explored the American southeast was to find gold. Option A is the correct answer.
To determine the primary goal of Hernando de Soto as he explored the American southeast, we can start by gathering information about his expedition and its purpose. Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer who embarked on several expeditions between 1537 and 1542. His primary goal during his exploration of the American southeast was to find gold.
To verify this information, we can consult reliable historical sources such as books, articles, or scholarly websites that provide details about Hernando de Soto's expeditions and his objectives. These sources will often contain primary and secondary accounts of the explorer's intentions, which can help us understand his motivations.
By reviewing these sources, we can confirm that Hernando de Soto's primary goal was indeed to find gold. He believed that the region known as La Florida (which encompassed parts of present-day southeastern United States) was rich in natural resources, including precious metals such as gold. Consequently, he led his expedition in the hopes of discovering and acquiring significant amounts of gold to increase his wealth and enhance his standing in Spanish society.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question "What was the primary goal of Hernando de Soto as he explored the American southeast?" would be:
• A. To find gold.