Which of the following are true of the Spanish exploration and conquests in America?

Question

They claimed the St. Lawrence River.
They claimed large stretches of land in the southern U.S.
They followed the Mississippi from its source to its mouth.
Spain gained great wealth.

Answer 1

In terms of Spanish exploration and conquests in America, the following statements are true:

1. They claimed large stretches of land in the southern U.S. - This statement is true. Spanish explorers and colonizers claimed significant territories in the southern portions of what is now the United States, including areas of Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

2. Spain gained great wealth. - This statement is also true. Spain gained immense wealth from its colonies in the Americas, particularly through the extraction of precious metals, such as gold and silver, especially from regions like Mexico and Peru.

The other statements can be evaluated as follows:

• They claimed the St. Lawrence River. - This statement is false. The St. Lawrence River was primarily explored and claimed by the French, not the Spanish.

• They followed the Mississippi from its source to its mouth. - This statement is misleading. While Spanish explorers did explore parts of the Mississippi River, it was primarily known through French exploration and claim (notably by Robert de La Salle) in the context of the river being followed from its source to mouth.

In summary, the true statements are that they claimed large stretches of land in the southern U.S. and that Spain gained great wealth.