History of Florida Chapter 2 Analysis

Who is the Author?

Michael Gannon 

One argument presented is that Historic Accounts are not always cut & dry/ certain. Discuss 2 examples within this chapter that supports this idea. 

(Page 18) The maps of (possible) Florida were uncertain if Florida was Central America or elsewhere.

(Page 19) Discussed how Ponce De Leon never actually wanted to find the Fountain of Youth.

The map in mentioned above

Explore the discussion of the Fountain of Youth and its validity

The Fountain of Youth was a claim made by natives that could have been a mistranslation, a rouse or a story completely fabricated by Spanish to continue their search for wealth/power in Florida

Describe political or social policy mentioned within the chapter. Be sure to include:

• Old Spain ruling bodies: (Page 22) Carlos V ruled over Spain during the time of Florida settlement/ conquering and was the one who sent all of the conquistadors at the time to Florida. 
• New World ruling bodies: (Page 18-39) Florida must be colonized for Spain, many conquistadors tried and many failed. 
• Adelantado: (Page 22) Self-financing conqueror and direct representative of the king as well as the governor of Florida and Bimini (title given to ever conquistador who went to Florida). 
• Requirirmiento: (Page 29-30) The proclaimation that cruel/harsh punishments for Natives were okay because it was effective in the past. 
• New Laws of 1542: (Page 30) Carlos V passed laws to protect the Native Floridian Indians from Requirirmiento

What animal(s) were introduced to Florida by soto?

(Page 29) Horses. Mules and long-legged Spanish pigs 

The long-legged Spanish Pig

What is the "microbial invasion?"

(Page 33-34) Old World Pathogens what Natives could not fight off.

Present reasons supporting settlement of Florida and arguments against the settlement of Florida based on the text of Chapter 2. (Page 34-35)

In Favor: Spain would gain the territory, power and resources of owning Florida.

Against: Poor treatment of the Native Americans.

What is the most interesting about the article?

(Page 18-39) The amount of conquistadors it took to come over to Florida before they finally conquered it for Spain. I personally find it pretty sad. 

Create an artistic interpretation of one of the conquistadors interaction with Aboriginal Floridians.