Ponce de Leon: The First Conquistador

• Moors
• New World
• civilization
• conquistador
• crusade
• depopulation
• mercenary

1. Why did Queen Isabella wait nearly six years to give approval to Columbus to travel west? What event caused her to suddenly support the voyage of Columbus?

2. What were the primary objectives of the Spanish in the settlement and exploration of the New World? Queen Isabella added a "new ambition of a religious mission". What is meant by this? How were these policies carried out?

3. How did Ponce de Leon become involved in New World exploration? Why was it typical for someone of his social rank to do so?

4. On Ponce de Leon's second voyage with Columbus he had a negative encounter with the native population. How did this effect his view of the native people? How was he known to treat the original inhabitants of these islands?

5. Ponce de Leon learned much from the native population. What is the cassava root? How was it used? Why did Ponce de Leon grow it near his villa on the eastern shore of Hispaniola?

6. It was said that Spain was a very class-conscious society. Why was it so important for Ponce de Leon to receive a coat of arms form the King?

7. When gold production hit its peak on the Island of San Juan, Ponce organized a new mission. What was the purpose of this journey? In which direction did Ponce head? What was he trying to find?

8. Ponce de Leon is described as an exemplary example of a man who represents the spirit of his age. In what way is this statement true? In what way is it false?

1. The exploration and settlement in the Caribbean and in the Florida took place long before colonies were established in Jamestown and Plymouth. Make a time line and include important event in this age of exploration.

2. Almost every society has myths about a "fountain of youth". Ponce de Leon was unsuccessful in his attempt to try to locate this magical body of water. Imagine such a wondrous thing did exist. Write a story as if you were the first person to find the fountain of youth. Make sure to include details on what effect this fountain had on people.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• September 22, 2004