AP Success - AP US History: Spanish Southwest Exploration & Hardship
Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá, History of New Mexico, 1610"We advanced, and for fifty days we marched, enduring hardships patiently, trusting in God to bring us with safety to the river’s shore. At one time it rained unceasingly for seven days. We journeyed on and on until it seemed that we would never find our way out of these unpeopled regions, travers- ing vast and solitary plains where the foot of Christian had never trod before. Our provisions gave out, and we were obliged to subsist on such edible weeds and roots as we found. But we went forward, sometimes through dense thickets which tore our clothes and left us ragged; at other times over rough stony passes where it was almost necessary to drag our tired mounts. Our shoes were worn out, and we suffered terribly from the burning sands, for our horses were scarcely able to drag their tried bodies along and pack our baggage, let alone carry us. The horses suffered most, poor dumb brutes; they were almost frantic with thirst, and their eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. "
Question 1
Based on the excerpt from Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá's 'History of New Mexico, 1610', which of the following best describes the conditions faced by Spanish explorers in the American Southwest?
The explorers endured extreme weather and scarcity of resources.
The explorers were well-prepared and did not face significant hardships.
The explorers found abundant resources and hospitable conditions.
The explorers frequently engaged in trade with local indigenous populations.
Question 2
The phrase 'where the foot of Christian had never trod before' in the source suggests that the Spanish explorers believed they were:
Following well-established routes created by previous explorers.
The first Europeans to encounter these lands.
In lands that had been previously colonized by other European powers.
Lost in territories that were familiar to other Christian groups.
Question 3
The hardships described in the source are most indicative of which phase of Spanish colonial activity in the Americas?
The peak of Spanish colonial trade and wealth extraction.
The establishment of permanent settlements and missions.
Early exploration and reconnaissance missions.
The decline of Spanish power and the handover of territories to other European nations.
Question 4
The experiences detailed by Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá in his account most directly reflect the challenges associated with:
The economic and financial difficulties of funding expeditions.
The cultural and linguistic barriers between Spanish explorers and Native Americans.
The political and military conflicts with other European colonial powers.
The geographic and environmental obstacles to inland exploration.
Question 5
The source 'History of New Mexico' by Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá can be used by historians as evidence of:
The technological advancements in navigation and cartography of the period.
The personal experiences and perspectives of Spanish explorers in the New World.
The economic policies of the Spanish Crown regarding its colonial possessions.
The diplomatic relations between Spain and indigenous tribes in the Southwest.
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