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Difficulty: EasyEuropean Exploration and Spanish Conquest

Source: Christopher Columbus, letter to Luis de Santángel, treasurer of Aragon, 1493

"I discovered many islands thickly peopled, of all which I took possession for their Highnesses, by proclamation and with the royal banner displayed, no one contradicting me... there are many spices, and great mines of gold and other metals..."

The excerpt best reflects which of the following dominant motivations for Spanish exploration and conquest in the Americas?

  1. A
    The intention to import crops native to Europe, such as corn and potatoes, to sustain early settlements.
  2. B
    The goal of distributing land grants equally to Native Americans through the encomienda system.
  3. The desire to acquire new sources of mineral wealth and valuable commodities.Answer
  4. D
    A recognition of the cultural homogeneity among the various indigenous societies encountered.

Answer

The desire to acquire new sources of mineral wealth and valuable commodities.
The correct answer is correct because Columbus's letter explicitly highlights the search for valuable resources, specifically mentioning the presence of spices and mines of gold and other metals, which directly aligns with the primary Spanish motivation of acquiring wealth.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary source excerpt for key details about Spanish goals.
Identify phrases like 'mines of gold and other metals' and 'spices' as indicators of resource extraction.
To determine Columbus's primary focus and intent in describing the newly discovered lands.
2
Compare the identified details with the historical motivations for Spanish exploration.
Connect the focus on gold, spices, and metals to the economic motivation of acquiring wealth.
To match the evidence in the text with the standard historical themes of Period 1 (gold, glory, and God).
3
Evaluate the options to select the one that accurately describes this motivation while avoiding historical misconceptions.
Select the option stating the desire to acquire new sources of mineral wealth and valuable commodities, as it is directly supported by the text.
To ensure the correct answer is chosen and that incorrect options representing common historical errors are eliminated.

Key Concept

Motivations for Spanish Exploration and Conquest (Gold, Glory, God)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

European Exploration and Spanish Conquest

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