The Race

• Europeans wanted Asian trade goods such as spices and silk• During the 1400’s one pound of salt was

worth as much as two pounds of gold.• The overland trade routes were very

dangerous and inflated the cost of goods• In the late 1400’s nations in western

Europe raced to find an all water route from Europe to Asia.

1492 Columbus Sails the Ocean Blue

• An Italian Sailor named Christopher Columbus believed he could reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean.• The idea was daring. People thought he was

crazy! Many believed that planet Earth was flat and he would fall off the edge.• King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain

eventually gave Columbus three ships

Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria

• On August 3, 1492 Columbus set sail.• As the weeks passed the crew grew

nervous. • Over two months later they hit land! On

October 12th 1492 the fleet hit the present day Bahamas.• Columbus named the island San Salvador

or “Holy Savior”

Accidental Discovery

Indians?•Although Columbus was no where

near Asia, he thought he was in the Indies. Therefore he called the people he met Indians.• Later, Europeans realized that

Columbus had actually hit the continent of N. America.

Spanish Conquest in America• Spain's rulers hoped to expand their empire by taking control

of the Americas.• Riches and lands of America would add to their nation’s

wealth and power.• Spain also wanted to spread Christianity to the Americas.• To accomplish this they sent small armies and church officials

to the Caribbean.• These expeditions were led by conquistadores – soldiers and

adventurers in search of glory, gold and land.

Conquistadores• They wore suits of armor and steel helmets• They rode mighty horses and carried muskets and finely

crafted swords.• To the Indians who had never seen horses or steel weapons

this was frightening.• How did this impact the spreading of Christianity?• With the advantage of superior military technology, the

Spanish soon conquered many of the Caribbean Islands.• They then set their eyes on the American mainland.

Cortes Marches through Mexico• In 1519 conquistador Hernan Cortes sailed from Spanish Cuba

to the East Coast of Mexico.• After landing the Spanish met many Mexican Indians.• They told Cortes of the powerful and wealthy Aztec Empire.• The Aztecs were led by Moctezuma II, also known as

Montezuma.• Cortes decided to find Montezuma and take him alive in chains

and make him subject of Spain.• How do you think the spreading of Christianity is going thus

far?

Cortes • To make certain his army would not surrender, he sank his

ships.• He wanted victory no matter the cost however, he faced

overwhelming odds.• The Aztec had astonishing numbers reaching in the millions

and their land was vast.

Inside help for Cortes• An Indian women named Malintzin also pronounced

Malinche helped Cortes overcome his disadvantage.• She served as guide and interpreter.• With her help, Cortes gained allies among the already

conquered people.• He proclaimed this was a religious war and these people

needed to be converted to Christianity at all cost.• Thousands joined his march toward the Aztec capital,

Tenochtitlan.

Tenochtitlan Astonishment• “When we saw those cities…built in the water, and great other

towns on dry land,…we were astounded. These great towns and temples and buildings all rising from the water, all made of stone, seemed like an enchanted vision.

Cortes Retreats• The Aztec had large amounts of gold, precious gems, and

silver.• Moctezuma gave Cortes peace offerings from his treasure, but

it was not enough.• Cortes took the city captive and began planning how to

conquer the Aztec.• Before Cortes was prepared fighting broke out between the

Spanish and Aztec.• On the night of June 30, 1520 the Spaniards fled the city.• Cortes then began planning a new assault.• He convinced more Mexican Indians to support him in his fight

for Christianity.

Round II• They built boats with armor and cannons.• In May of 1521 the Spaniards and their Mexican Indian allies

attacked Tenochtitlan.• After a long and brutal fight they conquered the Aztec in

August of 1521.• Many of the Aztec were killed and the remainder were

enslaved.• The city of Tenochtitlan laid in ruins.

Spanish Gains• Spain captured great wealth and land from the Aztecs.• The Spanish sent much of the Aztec gold, silver, and treasure

back to Spain.• On top of the ruins of Tenochtitlan, Cortes built Mexico City.• It became the capital of New Spain and extended from

California to Florida to Mexico.• Along with the Caribbean Islands, Mexico became a common

starting point for Spanish exploration of the Americas.• By 1600, Spain's empire included much of North and South

America.

The Seven Cities of Gold• According to a Spanish legend there lied 7 cities of gold across

the Atlantic Ocean.• During Anno Domini (A.D.) 700 Portugal was invaded. During

the invasion 7 bishops fled and crossed the Atlantic Ocean.• After crossing the Atlantic they came to a land filled with gold

and jewels.• The bishops built seven fabulous wealthy cities.• Many Spaniards longed to find these cities. • They thought these cities must be in the Americas!• Other empires full of gold and jewels had already been found,

there could be more.• What Empire had already been found and by who?

Searching for Cities of Gold• When Cabeza returned to Spain he wrote of his experiences in

the Americas.• In his writings he reported mountains to the north of Mexico

with towns of great population and huge houses.• He also stated that there were signs of gold in the mountains.• Cabeza’s stories excited the viceroy (vice.roy) – royal governor

of New Spain.• What was the capital of new Spain? (Hint) Cortez conquered

the Aztec Empire and built this capital over the ruble.

Marcos and Estavanico 1539• In 1539 the Spanish sent a friar named Marcos de Niza to find

these cities of gold.• Niza chose Estevanico to be his guide. Estevanico had been to

the Americas and knew many of the Native American languages.

• They brought along over 300 Mexican Indians to provide protection.

• The explorers moved from Mexico through present day Arizona into New Mexico.

• Estavanico wore bright colors and a cape. He also tied bells and wistles to his wrists and ankles. Native Americans often thought he was a healer and welcomed him.

1 of 7?• Estavanico and some others would go ahead of the main

group and scout the territory.• Marcos eventually received word that his scout had seen a

one of the 7 cities!• As Marcos approached the city some of his scouting group

came running from the city.• They reported Estavanico had angered the villagers and he and

many other scouts had been killed!• Marcos retreated to higher ground to view the city from afar.• The city shined in the distance, the buildings sparkled in the

sun.• Marcos returned home to Mexico City and reported that he

had found one of the 7 cities of gold.

Cibola the City of Gold• The Spanish called this new found city Cibola.• The Spanish organized its strongest force ever to take over

Cibola.• This force of 300 soldiers, many religious officials, and 1,000

Mexican Indians was led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado.• Coronado was a 30 year old conquistador.• Coronado's army and Marcos left Mexico for Cibola in April of

1540.

Coronado and Marcos• When they reached Cibola they found a force of Zuni Indians.• A small battle took place but the Spaniard's were victorious.• The battle was one sided due to the muskets and swords of

the Spanish.• Victory was short lived because the “buildings of gold” were

not gold at all.• They were adobe houses! Marcos was sent back to Mexico

City in disgrace.

Coronado Continues• Coronado continued his search for gold. He sent groups out to

explore the present day Southern United States.• During his search for gold he saw many things and met many

new people.• Coronado was the first Spaniard to view the Grand Canyon.• He met one Native American by the name of Turk.• Turk was of the Tiguex tribe.

Turk Tells of Quivira 1541• Turk told stories of a region called Quivira.• Quivira was said to hold cities full of gold.• Guided by Turk, Coronado began his expedition to Quivira.• The expedition traveled onto the flatlands of the Texas

Panhandle where they stated seeing “humpback cows”.• From Texas they traveled North to Kansas.• Finally they reached Quivira at where is now Wichita, Kansas.• They found nothing but grass huts and corn!• Coronado was furious!• He asked Turk why he did this and Turk said, “my tribe was

tired of your men and requested I deceive you”.