In this Grade 5 Social Studies lesson from Chapter 2: Age of Exploration, students trace the routes of Spanish Conquistadors, including Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's 1542 expedition along the California coast and Coronado's search for the Seven Cities of Gold. Students also examine how Spain established control in New Spain through the Mission system and the Encomienda system.
Section 1
The Conquistadors and New Spain
Spanish soldiers, known as Conquistadors, arrived in the Americas to conquer land for Spain.
After Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec Empire, Spain established the colony of New Spain. To control the land, they built religious settlements called Missions to convert Native Americans to Christianity. They also set up the Encomienda system, which forced Native peoples to work on farms and in mines.
Section 2
The Search for the Seven Cities of Gold
Stories of great wealth drove explorers north. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led a massive expedition into what is now the American Southwest, searching for the legendary "Seven Cities of Gold."
Although he never found gold, his journey allowed Spain to claim a vast territory. He was the first European to see the Grand Canyon and the herds of buffalo on the Great Plains.
Section 3
Cabrillo Explores the California Coast
In 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore the coast of present-day California.
Sailing north from Mexico, he entered San Diego Bay, which he claimed for Spain. Although he died during the voyage, his expedition produced the first maps of the California coast, opening the door for future Spanish settlement in the region.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
The Conquistadors and New Spain
Spanish soldiers, known as Conquistadors, arrived in the Americas to conquer land for Spain.
After Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec Empire, Spain established the colony of New Spain. To control the land, they built religious settlements called Missions to convert Native Americans to Christianity. They also set up the Encomienda system, which forced Native peoples to work on farms and in mines.
Section 2
The Search for the Seven Cities of Gold
Stories of great wealth drove explorers north. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led a massive expedition into what is now the American Southwest, searching for the legendary "Seven Cities of Gold."
Although he never found gold, his journey allowed Spain to claim a vast territory. He was the first European to see the Grand Canyon and the herds of buffalo on the Great Plains.
Section 3
Cabrillo Explores the California Coast
In 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore the coast of present-day California.
Sailing north from Mexico, he entered San Diego Bay, which he claimed for Spain. Although he died during the voyage, his expedition produced the first maps of the California coast, opening the door for future Spanish settlement in the region.