2.1 - African Explorers in the Americas (Juan Garrido)

The opening of Juan Garrido’s Probanza (petition) to the king of spain September 27,1538

HAPPY Analytical response

H - During this time, the king of spain was charles V. Helps understand by this time Marques is no longer king and might be dead as Garrido wrote this

A - He expects to inform the king of Spain. It impacts the authors message as he talks to him with the outmost respect “your mercy”. Knows his status and that he is not one to be messed with

P - The author of this is Juan Garrido, his background consists of him being alongside Marques del valle so he has first hand experience on how people act towards royalty and also how to talk to such royalty. Knows his boundaries and what he can say to maintain respect

P - He created this to show the king his devotion to helping and serving Marques. Maybe to gain the new kings respect or maybe a chance to serve him too. Maybe for a position

Y - Th source is trying to convey that helping royalty and being subject to nice treatment for doing so can lead to people asking for royal patronage. Also shows how people of black descent could still gain high titles, positions of authority, or pension. The document doesn’t show the kings response

What does the emphasize about his contributions

He says he did it at his own expense and without any money being given to him or doing so

How does he portray his loyalty and usefulness to spain

He says he does so not expecting anything in return (his expense) and says how many journeys he has participated in as well as how long he has and still is serving the majesty

Why do you think he had to petition rather than being automatically awarded

Because during this time there is a new king and he most likely does know who Juan is

What does this reveal about african status in spanish colonial society

They still had to earn their status. With time they might be recognized at some point but that recognization did not stay there forever

How does the visual image show garridos role as part of the expedition

Maybe his right hand man, in front of the army and even holding maybe his horse and equipment

How does the petition reflect his struggle for recognition and equality

Not everyone recognizes him as someone who should have respect for helping royalty

Together what do these sources reveal about the opportunities and limitations for africans in the 16th century americas

Reveals they had opportunities to serve with royalty and embark on the missions with them without being enslaved but they weren’t treated with that much universal respect as they still had to get people to recognize them