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Cabeza de Vaca Worksheet
Seventh Grade
1. Based on your observations of the 1529 map of the New World, what did the Spaniards know about Texas geographically? __The Spaniards knew of different relative and absolute locations. Types of trees, weather, and conditions of the ground that was in the region_
2. How would the 1529 map be a hindrance to explorers? _Two hindrances that explorers may face are locating supplies and locating places _
3. Read the description of Cabeza de Vaca’s treatment at the hands of the Coastal Indians. What would your reaction be to the situation? _Cabeza was put to work at the hands of the Coastal Indians. He was involved in trade_
4. Why did the Indian tribes ask Cabeza de Vaca to trade and barter for them? __
5. Cabeza de Vaca felt the life of a trader gave him advantages. What were these advantages? ___________________________________________________________
The University of North Texas Libraries
P.O. Box 305190, Denton TX 76203-5190
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6. What was Cabeza de Vaca’s principal objective in becoming a trader? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
7. What did the Coastal Indians think about Cabeza de Vaca’s role as a trader? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. What action did Cabeza de Vaca take to help the Indian who was suffering from an arrow wound? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
9. Why was this an exceptional accomplishment?