Podcast
Questions and Answers
What country was Balboa born in and sponsored his explorations?
What country was Balboa born in and sponsored his explorations?
Spain
What did he always want to grow up and become?
What did he always want to grow up and become?
a famous explorer
What did he learn as a boy?
What did he learn as a boy?
how to fence, or fight with swords
What was the purpose of Balboa's explorations?
What was the purpose of Balboa's explorations?
On what ocean did he sail westward to the New World?
On what ocean did he sail westward to the New World?
What was Balboa looking for?
What was Balboa looking for?
What obstacles did Balboa face during his explorations?
What obstacles did Balboa face during his explorations?
Why did Balboa have to stay on the island of Hispaniola working as a farmer?
Why did Balboa have to stay on the island of Hispaniola working as a farmer?
What did Balboa try to become but failed?
What did Balboa try to become but failed?
What was Balboa's major accomplishment?
What was Balboa's major accomplishment?
Where did Balboa's explorations help to begin the spread of Spanish influence and Spanish culture?
Where did Balboa's explorations help to begin the spread of Spanish influence and Spanish culture?
What was Balboa called as he conquered new lands?
What was Balboa called as he conquered new lands?
What does conquistador mean?
What does conquistador mean?
Why was Balboa called a conquistador?
Why was Balboa called a conquistador?
What is Balboa best known for?
What is Balboa best known for?
In what year did Balboa join an expedition to explore the New World?
In what year did Balboa join an expedition to explore the New World?
What was the name of the town Balboa founded and became interim governor of?
What was the name of the town Balboa founded and became interim governor of?
What was important about Darien?
What was important about Darien?
What did Balboa claim for Spain?
What did Balboa claim for Spain?
What was Balboa accused of when people plotted against him?
What was Balboa accused of when people plotted against him?
Study Notes
Early Life and Aspirations
- Born in Spain, Balboa was inspired to become a famous explorer from a young age.
- He acquired skills in fencing and sword fighting during childhood.
Purpose and Exploration
- Main objective was to discover a land route to the Pacific Ocean.
- Sailed westward from the Atlantic Ocean to initially reach the New World in 1501.
- Sought wealth, focusing on gold, silver, and other riches.
Challenges Faced
- Encountered resistance from Native American tribes during his explorations.
- Faced difficulties that forced him to stay on Hispaniola as a farmer due to a leaky ship.
- Attempts to establish himself as a farmer were unsuccessful.
Major Accomplishments
- First European to establish a land route to the Pacific Ocean.
- First to see the eastern Pacific Ocean, significantly expanding European geographic knowledge.
- Founded the town of Santa Maria de la Antigua del Darien, serving as its interim governor.
- This settlement marked the first European establishment in South America.
Impact and Legacy
- His expeditions contributed to the spread of Spanish influence and culture in Central and South America.
- Claimed the Pacific Ocean and adjacent lands for Spain, asserting European territorial ambitions in the region.
Terminology and Roles
- Known as a conquistador, a term meaning "conqueror," due to his military campaigns and territorial control.
- Accused of treason amid plots against him, reflecting the political turmoil of the time.
Notable Information
- Balboa's legacy includes his pioneering role in the exploration of the Pacific and his contributions to early colonial expansion.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Vasco Nunez de Balboa with these flashcards. Learn about his early life, aspirations, and the goals of his explorations. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students alike.
