1496/97, Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, Spain—died May 21, 1542, along the Mississippi River [in present-day Louisiana, U.S.]), Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquests of Central America and Peru and, in the course of exploring what was to become the southeastern United States, discovered …
Why do we study Hernando de Soto?
Hernando de Soto is most famous
for his exploration of North America
. He led 600 men on a journey through what is now the southeastern United States. They were the first Europeans to explore most of this region. De Soto was sent by the King of Spain to explore and settle La Florida.
What type of education did Hernando de Soto have?
Hernando de Soto was born into a poor, but noble family. Hernando de Soto was educated at
the University of Salamance
. His education was funded by Pedro Arias Davila, a generous man. Hernando de Soto’s family wanted him to become a lawyer but he wanted to be an explorer.
What was Hernando de Soto searching?
Seeking
greater glory and riches
, de Soto embarked on a major expedition in 1538 to conquer Florida for the Spanish crown. He and his men traveled nearly 4,000 miles throughout the region that would become the southeastern United States in search of riches, fighting off Native American attacks along the way.
What were the contributions of Hernando de Soto?
Hernando de Soto is more known for being a conquistador. He
helped conquer many lands in parts of Central and South America
, including those of the Inca Empire. But he was also an explorer. De Soto explored and mapped parts of nine states in the southeastern part of the United States.
What problem did Hernando de Soto face?
Hernando de Soto faced many challenges during his expedition. For example, when crossing the Withlacoochee River de Soto and his crew were
battled against the strong tide of the river
. He also crossed the Aucilla River with some troubles there too. Their crops were ruined and were no longer able to be used.
What’s a fun fact about Hernando de Soto?
- #1 His parents wanted him to be a lawyer.
- #4 He played a major role in defeating the Incas in the Battle of Cajamarca.
- #5 He made an enormous fortune during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.
- #6 Hernando de Soto was made governor of Cuba in 1537.
Was Hernando de Soto good or bad?
He
certainly was brave
and he may have been gallant according to the 16th century definition of the word. But, he certainly was neither benevolent nor kind. Not if old Spanish writers can be believed. Said one of them: ‘DeSoto was fond of the sport of killing Indians.
Where is De Soto buried?
Hernando de Soto died after contracting a fever in May of 1542 in a Native American village located in modern-day Arkansas. His men buried him
in the Mississippi River
in the middle of the night after he passed.
Who did De Soto fight?
In 1524–27 de Soto defeated his archrival,
Gil González de Ávila
, in a struggle for control of Nicaragua, and he subsequently expanded his trade in Indian slaves. In 1530 de Soto lent Francisco Pizarro two ships to investigate reports of gold located south of Darién on the Pacific coast (now in northwestern Colombia).
How did Hernando de Soto impact the Native Americans?
De Soto’s journey had a significant impact on the Native Americans of North America. He and his men were
the first contact the majority of these tribes living in the interior had with Europeans
, and they brought more than violence with them.
Why did Spain want to explore and colonize North America?
The conquistadors
came to conquer new territories for power and riches
. They overthrew the Inca and the Aztecs, plus a host of less-advanced civilizations. Spanish settlers came to make a fortune and return to Spain, not to stay in a new home.
Where did Spain explore and colonize?
Beginning with the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Spanish Empire expanded for four centuries (1492–1892) across most of present-day Central America,
the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and much of the rest of North America
.
What was the result of Hernando de Soto’s expedition?
In the early 1530s, while on Francisco Pizarro’s expedition, Hernando de Soto helped
conquer Peru
. In 1539 he set out for North America, where he discovered the Mississippi River.
Who discovered the Mississippi River?
The Basics
It shows Spanish conquistador and
explorer Hernando De Soto
(1500–1542), riding a white horse and dressed in Renaissance finery, arriving at the Mississippi River at a point below Natchez on May 8, 1541. De Soto was the first European documented to have seen the river.
