key term - Quivira

Definition

Quivira was a legendary city of gold that Spanish explorers sought after in the 16th century, often associated with the mythical wealth of the New World. It became a significant part of the stories told by early explorers like Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, who believed it was located in present-day Kansas, and later by Juan de Oñate in his expeditions. The quest for Quivira symbolized the European obsession with finding riches and expanding their territories in North America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The search for Quivira was primarily conducted by Coronado between 1540 and 1542, who traveled extensively through what is now the southwestern United States.
2. Although Coronado did not find Quivira as a city of gold, he did encounter various Native American tribes and documented their cultures and lifestyles.
3. Quivira was described by some accounts as a prosperous land with abundant resources, which fueled further exploration by subsequent expeditions, including those led by Oñate.
4. The concept of Quivira reflects the broader European attitudes toward wealth, colonization, and the desire for expansion during the age of exploration.
5. The legend of Quivira persists in history as an example of how myths influenced exploration and colonization in North America.

Review Questions

• What motivated Spanish explorers like Coronado to search for Quivira, and how did this reflect their understanding of the New World?
  • Spanish explorers were driven by tales of immense wealth and resources in the New World, particularly legends like Quivira. This pursuit illustrated their desire to expand empires and secure riches to support Spain's economy. The search for Quivira also reflected misconceptions about indigenous societies and their potential for gold, leading to significant exploration efforts that often disregarded the realities faced by native populations.
• Discuss the implications of Coronado's expeditions in search of Quivira on Native American tribes he encountered.
  • Coronado's expeditions had profound implications for Native American tribes as they brought Europeans into direct contact with these communities. While he failed to find the legendary wealth he sought, his journeys introduced new diseases, disrupted traditional ways of life, and initiated conflicts over land and resources. This marked a critical shift in the relationship between Native peoples and European colonizers, often leading to long-term negative consequences for indigenous populations.
• Evaluate the significance of Quivira within the broader context of European exploration and colonization during the 16th century, particularly regarding its influence on later expeditions.
  • Quivira stands out as a crucial element in the narrative of European exploration during the 16th century, embodying the lure of mythical wealth that drove many expeditions. The legend inspired subsequent explorers like Oñate to venture further into North America in search of similar fortunes. This quest not only highlights Europe's relentless pursuit of resources but also foreshadows the cultural encounters and conflicts that would shape the continent's history, emphasizing how such myths could propel real-world consequences in terms of colonization strategies and indigenous relations.

Related terms

Coronado: Francisco Vázquez de Coronado was a Spanish explorer who led an expedition through North America in search of the fabled cities of gold, including Quivira, during the 1540s.

Oñate: Juan de Oñate was a Spanish conquistador known for his colonization efforts in present-day New Mexico and his later explorations that linked to the search for mythical places like Quivira.

El Dorado: El Dorado is another legendary city of gold that represents the mythological pursuit of wealth and prosperity that drove many explorers in the Americas during the Age of Discovery.