Explorers

B. Dias

A Portuguese explorer who found a route around the Cape of Good Hope, connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (1488).

V. Da Gama

First to sail directly from Europe to India by rounding Africa's Cape of Good Hope, establishing significant trade links for Portugal (1497-1499).

A d’Alboquerque

Viceroy of Portuguese India who expanded Portuguese influence and combated Islam (1509-1515).

J. Hawkins

An English naval commander and the first English slave trader who catalyzed a war between England and Spain (1562).

A. Vespucci

Explored the eastern coast of South America and recognized it as a separate continent, which was later named America (1497-1504).

V. de Balboa

First explorer to cross the Isthmus of Panama and discover the Pacific Ocean (1513).

H. Cortes

Established the first Spanish settlement in Mexico and led to the fall of the Aztec Empire (1519-1521).

F. Magellan

Led the first known complete circumnavigation of the earth, although he was killed in the Philippines (1519-1522).

F. Pizarro

Conqueror of the Inca Empire and founder of Lima, known for capturing the Inca emperor Atahualpa (1532-1533).

C. Columbus

Discovered the Americas, mistakenly searching for a new route to Asia for Spain (1492-1504).

G. da Verazzano

An Italian explorer for France who named discoveries after people from the old world (1524).

H. Hudson

Explored parts of the North American coast and searched for a northwest passage to Asia for England (1609-1611).

C. Newport

Led the first English settlers to Jamestown, Virginia, establishing the first permanent English colony (1607).

J. Cartier

Mapped the St. Lawrence River and claimed land for the French in North America (1534-1542).

V. Bering

Led expeditions for Russia to explore connections between Asia and North America, establishing claims in Alaska (1728-1741).

P.M. de Aviles

Founded St. Augustine and governed Spanish Florida, securing Spanish claims (1565).

J. Ponce de Leon

First governor of Puerto Rico who explored Florida, seeking the Fountain of Youth for Spain (1513).

S. de Champlain

Founded Quebec and established French alliances for fur trade in North America (1608).

A. Tasman

First European to reach Tasmania and New Zealand, charting several South Pacific islands for the Dutch (1642-1644).

P. Stuyvesant

Dutch governor who claimed New Amsterdam for the Netherlands, expanding slavery in the colony (1647-1664).

M.L. Legazpi

First governor of the Philippines who established a permanent Spanish settlement (1565).

F.V. de Coronado

Explored the American Southwest searching for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold for Spain (1540-1542).

P. Minuit

Director of New Netherland who purchased Manhattan Island, establishing the foundation for New Amsterdam (1626).

W. Raleigh

Sponsored the Roanoke expeditions, influencing future colonies like Jamestown for England (1587).

Significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe

The Virgin of Guadalupe is considered a symbol of Mexican nationalism and cultural identity. She represents hope and protection for many Mexicans and is seen as a crucial figure in the Catholic faith, especially in Mexico, embodying the fusion of indigenous and Spanish cultures.

Why were the Spanish able to conquer South America with such a small amount of forces?

1. Advanced Weaponry: The Spanish had superior military technology, including guns and cannons, which gave them an advantage in battles against indigenous populations who primarily used traditional weapons.

2. Horses: Horses provided mobility and a psychological edge in warfare, allowing Spanish forces to maneuver effectively and intimidate their enemies.

3. Divisions Among Indigenous Peoples: Many indigenous groups, such as the Aztecs and Incas, were engaged in their own conflicts, which the Spanish exploited to form alliances with rival factions.

4. Disease: European diseases such as smallpox decimated indigenous populations prior to and during the conquests, weakening their ability to resist.

5. Leadership and Strategy: Spanish leaders, like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, employed strategic deception and manipulation, often forming alliances with local tribes to aid in their conquests.