Questions and Answers
What country was Balboa born in and sponsored his explorations?
Spain
What did he always want to grow up and become?
a famous explorer
What did he learn as a boy?
how to fence, or fight with swords
What was the purpose of Balboa's explorations?
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On what ocean did he sail westward to the New World?
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What was Balboa looking for?
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What obstacles did Balboa face during his explorations?
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Why did Balboa have to stay on the island of Hispaniola working as a farmer?
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What did Balboa try to become but failed?
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What was Balboa's major accomplishment?
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Where did Balboa's explorations help to begin the spread of Spanish influence and Spanish culture?
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What was Balboa called as he conquered new lands?
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What does conquistador mean?
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Why was Balboa called a conquistador?
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What is Balboa best known for?
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In what year did Balboa join an expedition to explore the New World?
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What was the name of the town Balboa founded and became interim governor of?
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What was important about Darien?
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What did Balboa claim for Spain?
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What was Balboa accused of when people plotted against him?
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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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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.
