TOPICAL OUTLINE.

MEMORY AID.

For Lesson on Early Florida Exploration.

(Place on the Black Board and have pupils fill blank spaces, then elaborate in written composition.)

For what are the West Indies remarkable? Why did adventurers flock to the New World? Where did Spanish conquest extend? Who was Ponce de Leon? What island did he help to conquer? To what three governorships was he successively appointed? What legend had he heard? What was the result of de Leon's exploration? How did Florida receive its name? What was the fate of De Leon? What coast was called Chicora? What was the object of de Ayllon's expedition? How did he succeed? What deception did he practice? What do you know of Pamphilo de Narvaez? Cabecca de Vacca? How were the natives treated by De Narvaez? What sufferings did the expedition of De Narvaez encounter? What was its fate? Where did the survivors make their way? How?

CHAPTER VIII.

The Conquest of New Spain.

In the belief that the West Indies were the outlying islands upon the southeast shores of Asia, the Spaniards went from island to island, persistently searching for those sources of gold, spices and precious commodities that had been so long the objects of maritime enterprise.

In the course of these searchings ENCISO landed upon the Isthmus of Darien about the time De Leon was exploring Florida (1512); and GRIJALVA reached

the coast of Mexico (1518), two years before De Ayllon did that of Chicora. With Enciso went NUNEZ DE BALBOA, who, hearing upon his arrival at Darien, of a great sea to the south, determined to behold it, and for that purpose journeyed over land. Ascending the

MAGELLAN.

Eight years after Balboa's discovery (1520), Magellan, a navigator sailing in the interest of Spain, entered the Pacific ocean through the straits that now bear his name, crossed the broad expanse, his vessel finally reaching Spain after having circumnavigated the globe.

last range of mountains, he was greeted with a view of the mighty ocean that has since borne the name, PACIFIC (1513).

The discoveries of Balboa and Grijalva opened up other regions to conquest. Mexico, or Anahuac, as it was then called, was the first to attract attention. Grijalva brought back with him accounts of the Aztecs, a strange race of people living in the interior.

Wonderful to relate, this people had made great advances toward civilization. They knew many of the uses of metals, wore ornaments of gold, lived in cities composed of well

built houses, and followed many of the arts and occupations of civilized life. A conquering race, they had subjugated most of the neighboring tribes. Marvelous

accounts of the wealth of their capital city, given by the natives of the coast, were but little exaggerated.

The avarice of the Spaniards was incited by these accounts, and it was determined to conquer this people. Seven hundred men, carefully selected and equipped, were placed under

command of HERNANDO CORTEZ by Velasquez, the governor of Cuba. Eleven vessels conveyed the expedition to a spot near the present town of Vera Cruz, where a landing was made (1520). Cortez was here joined by the Tlascalans and other tribes at enmity with the Aztecs, and, with forces thus augmented, marched into the interior. Along the route many atrocities were perpetrated by the Spaniards for the purpose of intimidating all who were inclined to oppose them. At first the Aztecs, regarding the Spaniards with awè, as superior beings or gods, offered no resistance. The capital city was entered without opposition, and the strangers took up their abode in quarters furnished by the Montezuma, or Aztec emperor.

Meanwhile Velasquez, becoming jealous of the superior qualities for leadership manifested by Cortez, dispatched De Narvaez-him who eight years after attempted the conquest of Florida—with another force to supersede him. Cortez refused to surrender his command, and, returning to the coast with a portion of his army, defeated De Narvaez, many of whose men joined the conqueror, and with him marched back to the Aztec city.

Affairs, however, had gone wrong in the absence of the commander. The natives, becoming assured that the Spaniards were but men, had risen in revolt. Their numbers were overwhelming; but Cortez, by treachery, secured the person of the Montezuma and held him as hostage for the good behavior of his subjects. He compelled the unfortunate monarch to furnish large quantities of gold and supplies of food, and to administer the affairs of his empire according to the dictates of his captor. This served for a time; but the warlike spirit of the people soon manifested itself anew, and to so alarming an extent that the abandonment of the city was determined upon.

Having selected a dark night for the purpose the Spaniards as quietly as possible withdrew from the castle they had been occupying, and attempted to leave the city. But the natives were on the

alert, and assembled

forcements which joined him here, he eventually effected the conquest that has placed his name among the great conquerors of history.

QUESTIONS.

What were the West Indies according to early belief? For what were the Spaniards continually seeking? Who landed upon Darien? Who went with him? What do you know of Balboa? Who explored the coast of Mexico? When? When was the Pacific discovered? What do you know of Magellan? To what did the discoveries of Balboa and Grijalva lead? What was the ancient name of Mexico? What accounts were brought back by Grijalva? What progress had been made by the Aztecs? What did they know? Wear? How did they live? What expedition was sent against them? When? Tell what you know of Cortez. Where did he land? What natives assisted him? Why? Why did the Aztecs not resist? Why was De Narvaez sent to recall Cortez? What was his fate? What did Cortez find upon returning to the Aztec capital? Whom did he take prisoneri