History 226 Essay Exam Prompts
1. During the 1500s and 1600s, what stimulated or discouraged Spanish interest in the
land that are now Texas?
–15th century exploration by Columbus in order to give Spain economic and
political gain as well as a desire to spread his religion.
–However, they did not land in Asia which was there goal. They had landed on
the modern-day Bahamas.
–Spain proceeded to transform the “New World” into colonies to gain elusive
riches.
–Conquistadors came and began the exploration and exploitation of the “New
World”.
–It was the search for great fortune that led the Spaniards to the land now
known as Texas.
–They were also looking for Indians to enslave in order to work silver mines
that were discovered by earlier conquistadors.
–The first European contact with Texas was in 1528 was when Panfilo de
Narvaez ship wrecked onto the what is now Galveston shores and only a few
survived. Some of whom are Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca and Estavanico.
–It was said by Cabeza de Vaca that he found adobe dwellings sparkling in the
sunlight. They then named the general location Cibola.
–After Friar Niza’s analysis of his travels, the viceroy assigned Francisco
Vasquez de Coronado to lead follow-up expedition.
oHe discovered that the glittering cities were merely adobe complexes.
oAfter newly generated tales of a golden kingdom, Gran Quivira, other
parties of Spaniards were induced to venture out upon the great plains,
but as they crossed Texas Panhandle, none saw anything of value to
themselves or the crown.
–While Coronado explored the Plains, Hernando de Soto went on another
expedition tracking down the continuation of the rumors that stated there were
gold treasures and civilized cities. After de Soto died, his party remained in
the Mississippi River, and was then taken over by Luis de Moscoso. They
trekked into eastern Texas. Their aim was now to reach Mexico and deliver
the news that there was no treasure to be found. Two months after their
journey had begun, the men arrived in Panuco, Mexico with the report of no
riches. This report further dampened the Spaniards desire to explore Texas.
–Later, the Spanish settlers wanted to push religion on the inhabitants there was
no actual interest in Texas but rather all of America.
2. Anglo-American society had rigid conceptions of race, but Spanish constructs of
race in the Americas were different. In what ways did they differ? How did this
affect a person’s status in society? What could change a person’s racial, social, and
