Seventh Grade History Make a Copy
Link to lesson
Tags
European Explorers 7 grade history English
Description
The Spanish colonization of the United States involved the establishment of settlements and territories primarily in the southwest, including present-day California, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Florida, beginning in the late 15th century and continuing into the 17th century. Spanish explorers, such as Juan Ponce de León and Hernán Cortés, sought to expand their empire, spreading Christianity and engaging in trade with Indigenous populations. The Spanish influence is evident in the region's cultural, architectural, and linguistic heritage, which remains significant today. Key events during this period included the founding of missions, presidios, and settlements, which laid the groundwork for the future development of these areas within the United States.
Hoffman, P. (2009). A New History of the American West: A New Perspective on the Spanish Colonization of the United States. University of New Mexico Press.