Hernando de Soto: A Spanish Explorer Who Shaped the New World
Hernando De Soto
You must type a 2 page paper, double spaced & 12 font.
1. You must include a brief summary of the explorer’s early life (Consider: Birthdate? Where did they grow up? Wealthy, poor, noble? Occupation? How and why did they get into exploring?)
2. For what country did the explorer sail? Any particular reason this country?
3. How many voyages did this explorer make? Dates of voyages?
4. Why did the explorer go on their voyage(s)?
5. What parts of the world did this explorer travel? What particular people and/or groups did they meet?
6. What was the result of their voyage? What major influence did their discovery have? Why do they matter?
7. Include pictures and maps. Must have a picture of your explorer and a map(s) of their voyage. You may also include other images of artifacts, paintings, letters, interesting photos…ect
8. You must include a brief excerpt from a PRIMARY DOCUMENT that really discuss your explorer, their journey, or their importance (it can be a journal entry, government document, government correspondence, personal letters…ect)
Hernando de Soto: A Spanish Explorer Who Shaped the New World
Hernando de Soto
1. Early Life of Hernando de Soto
Hernando de Soto, a renowned Spanish explorer, was born around 1496 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. Coming from a noble family, he received a quality education and was trained as a page in the court of King Charles I. However, de Soto's adventurous spirit and desire for exploration led him to pursue a career in the New World.
2. Voyages for Spain
Hernando de Soto sailed for the Kingdom of Spain. Spain had a thriving maritime tradition and a fervent desire to expand its empire and accumulate wealth through exploration and colonization.
3. De Soto's Voyages
Hernando de Soto embarked on three major voyages during his lifetime. His first voyage took place from 1514 to 1516, where he traveled to the West Indies and Central America. In 1532, he joined Francisco Pizarro in the conquest of Peru, showcasing his military prowess. Finally, his most renowned expedition occurred from 1539 to 1542, where he explored parts of North America, specifically what is now present-day Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
4. Motivations for Exploration
De Soto's primary motivations for exploration were wealth, fame, and the search for valuable resources. He aimed to discover new territories rich in gold and silver that would bring honor and fortune to himself and his country.
5. Travels and Encounters
During his third voyage, De Soto explored vast regions of the southeastern United States. He encountered numerous Native American tribes, including the Timucua, Apalachee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw peoples. These interactions resulted in various alliances, trade relationships, and conflicts.
6. Legacy and Influence
De Soto's voyages had a significant impact on the New World. While he failed to find the rumored riches he sought, his expeditions opened up new territories for future European settlements. His exploration paved the way for future Spanish colonization in the Southeastern United States. De Soto's encounters with Native American tribes contributed to cultural exchange, albeit often marked by violence and disease.
7. Images and Maps
De Soto's Route
Map showing Hernando de Soto's route during his third voyage
8. Primary Document Excerpt
"I came to serve God and His Majesty, to give light to those who were in darkness and to grow rich as all men desire to do." (Hernando de Soto)
This excerpt from Hernando de Soto's personal journal reflects his motivations for exploration: a desire for wealth and fame while also justifying his actions through religious conviction. It provides insight into the mindset of European explorers during this era.
In conclusion, Hernando de Soto's expeditions contributed to the expansion of Spanish influence in the New World. While his voyages did not yield the wealth he sought, they resulted in the discovery of new territories, cultural exchange, and the eventual colonization of the Southeastern United States by the Spanish Empire. Despite the controversial nature of European exploration during this period, it is crucial to understand the impact these explorers had on shaping the history and development of the New World.