Why did Vasco de Balboa explore?
Reason for Sailing Vasco Balboa was a Spanish explorer who admired Christopher Columbus. Like Christopher Columbus he wanted to sail to the “New World”. However, unlike Christopher Columbus who wanted to find a water route to Asia Vasco Balboa wanted to find gold so he could become wealthy.
What was Balboa the first to discover?
Born in 1475 in Jerez de los Caballeros, in the province of Extremadura in Castile, Spain, Balboa went on to become the first European to see the Pacific Ocean.
What places did Vasco Nunez de Balboa explore?
Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1475–January 15, 1519) was a Spanish explorer, colonial governor, and Conquistador. He is known principally for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to see and then reach the Pacific coastline of the New World.
Who first discovered the Pacific Ocean?
After sailing through the dangerous straits below South America that now bear his name, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan enters the Pacific Ocean with three ships, becoming the first European explorer to reach the Pacific from the Atlantic.
When did Hernando de Soto explore?
Hernando de Soto's expedition of La Florida lasted four years, from 1539-1543. He and his men explored over 4,000 miles of territory within ten modern U.S. states searching for riches and an ideal location to create a Spanish settlement.
How did Balboa discover the Pacific Ocean?
He explored the coast of Panama where he heard word that there was a great Sea on the other side. He led led an expedition into the Moutains of Panama to explore and find the Ocean. On September 25th, 1513, Vasco Nunez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and discovered the Pacific Ocean.
How many voyages did Balboa go on?
Vasco Nunez de Balboa went on at least two official voyages, while on a third as a stowaway.
What was Balboa's first voyage?
Voyages. Principal Voyage. Balboa and his men set sail in 1501 with two ships, the Santa Maria de Gracio and the San Anton. 2 They crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and eventually reached the northern coast of South America, near present day Venezuela and Colombia.
What was Balboa's first expedition?
He is best known for leading an expedition across the narrow isthmus of Panama, and reaching the Pacific Ocean, becoming the first European to see this large body of water. Like many explorers of his day, Balboa went to the new world seeking riches and adventure.
What was Vasco Nuez de Balboa's legacy?
Legacy. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa helped establish the first stable European settlement on the mainland of South America. The colony of Darien in Panama helped Spain establish a vast colonial empire in the Americas. Balboa is also credited as being the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the New World.
How did Balboa escape his creditors?
To avoid this, in 1510, Balboa escaped his creditors by stowing away on Enciso’s ship – an act punishable by death. Still, Balboa revealed himself to the captain. Instead of having Balboa thrown overboard, Enciso let Balboa join the crew since he had been to the area which they were heading.
Why did Balboa travel to the New World?
Spain during this period was sending many expeditions to the New World in search of land, riches, and opportunities to colonize the natives. In 1500, Balboa joined Don Rodrigo de Bastidas on a journey to explore the northern coast of modern day South America.
Why was Balboa imprisoned?
Here, governor Nicolas de Ovando had Bastidas and his men, including Balboa, imprisoned for trading with the natives.3 Ovando soon released them, and Bastidas returned to Spain. Balboa, however, was not ready to leave the New World. He remained there for another eight years before he got another chance for adventure.
Where was Vasco de Balboa born?
Biography. Early Life. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa was born around the year 1475 in Jerez de los Caballeros, a town in the Extremadura region of Spain. His father was Don Nuño Arias de Balboa, but not much is known about his mother.
What was the name of the expedition that Balboa joined in 1500?
Young and ambitious, Balboa joined the expedition of Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1500. The expedition was mildly successful in raiding the northeastern coast of South America.
Where did Balboa go?
When they reached San Sebastián they found that natives had destroyed it. Balboa convinced Enciso and the survivors of San Sebastián (led by Francisco Pizarro) to try again and establish a town, this time in the Darién—a region of dense jungle between present-day Colombia and Panama.
What did Balboa do to help the Spanish?
Balboa was effectively in charge of Veragua at this point and the crown reluctantly decided to simply recognize him as governor. Once his position was official, Balboa quickly began organizing expeditions to explore the region. The local tribes of indigenous natives were not united and were powerless to resist the Spanish, who were better armed and disciplined. The colonizers collected much gold and pearls through their military power, which in turn drew more men to the settlement. They began hearing rumors of a great sea and a rich kingdom to the south.
How did Balboa remove Enciso?
Clever and charismatic, Balboa rallied the men behind him and removed Enciso by arguing that the region was not part of the royal charter of Alonso de Ojeda, Enciso's master. Balboa was one of two men quickly elected to serve as mayors of the city.
Why was Balboa tried?
He was hauled back to Aclo in chains and quickly tried for treason against the crown: The charge was that he had tried to establish his own independent fiefdom of the South Sea , independent from that of Dávila. Enraged, Balboa shouted out that he was a loyal servant of the crown, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
Where was Vasco de Balboa born?
His father and mother were both of noble blood in Badajoz, Spain and Vasco was born in Jeréz de los Caballeros in 1475. Although noble, Balboa could not hope for much in the way of even a meager inheritance, as he was the third of four sons. All titles and lands were passed to the eldest; younger sons generally went into the military or clergy. Balboa opted for the military, spending time as a page and squire at the local court.
What was the name of the ocean that Balboa fought through?
On September 25, Balboa and a handful of battered Spaniards (Francisco Pizarro was among them) first saw the Pacific Ocean, which they named the “South Sea.”.
Who was Vasco de Balboa?
Vasco Núñez de Balboa, (born 1475, Jerez de los Caballeros, or Badajoz, Extremadura province, Castile—died January 12, 1519, Acla, near Darién, Panama), Spanish conquistador and explorer, who was head of the first stable settlement on the South American continent (1511) and who was the first European to sight the eastern shore ...
Where did Balboa settle?
In 1500 he sailed with Rodrigo de Bastidas on a voyage of exploration along the coast of present-day Colombia. Later he settled in Hispaniola (Haiti), but he did not prosper as a pioneer farmer and had to escape his creditors by embarking as a stowaway on an expedition organized by Martín Fernández de Enciso (1510) to bring aid and reinforcements to a colony founded by Alonso de Ojeda on the coast of Urabá, in modern Colombia. The expedition found the survivors of the colony, led by Francisco Pizarro, but Ojeda had departed. On the advice of Balboa the settlers moved across the Gulf of Urabá to Darién, on the less hostile coast of the Isthmus of Panama, where they founded the town of Santa María de la Antigua, the first stable settlement on the continent, and began to acquire gold by barter or war with the local Indians. The colonists soon deposed Enciso, Ojeda’s second in command, and elected a town council; one of its two alcaldes, or magistrates, was Balboa. With the subsequent departure of Enciso for Hispaniola, Balboa became the undisputed head of the colony. In December 1511 King Ferdinand II sent orders that named Balboa interim governor and captain general of Darién.
How many men did Balboa need to conquer Spain?
The conquest of that land, their informants declared, would require 1,000 men. Balboa hastened to send emissaries to Spain to request reinforcements; the news they brought created much excitement, and a large expedition was promptly organized. But Balboa was not given command.
When did Balboa cross the Pearl Islands?
Storms prevented a crossing to the Pearl Islands, and, turning inland, Balboa penetrated almost to the site of present-day Panama City before returning across the isthmus to Santa María in January 1514.
Who was the first European explorer to discover the Pacific?
Crossing the isthmus, Balboa discovered the…. …expedition led by the explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa that was credited with the European discovery of the Pacific. From 1519 to 1523 he was mayor and magistrate of the newly founded town of Panamá, accumulating a small fortune.….
Who was the first European to explore the Atlantic coast of the Isthmus of Panama?
…Juan de la Cosa and Vasco Núñez de Balboa, was the first European to explore the Atlantic coast of the Isthmus of Panama. In 1510 Diego de Nicuesa, another Spanish explorer, established the settlement of Nombre de Dios at the mouth of the Chagres River, and to the southwest, Alonso…
Who was the leader of the Spanish conquest of Central America?
Central America: The Spanish conquest. …the leadership of a stowaway, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who had earlier been with Bastidas—survived at Santa María la Antigua del Darién, on the Gulf of Urubá near the present-day Colombia-Panama border. Balboa turned the survivors into a disciplined and productive colony in 1510.
What did Balboa do in 1513?
In 1513, Balboa led an expedition from Darién to search for a new sea reportedly to the south and for gold. He hoped that if he was successful, he would win the favor of Ferdinand, the king of Spain. While he didn't find the precious metal, he did see the Pacific Ocean and claimed it and all of its shores for Spain.
Where was Balboa born?
Born in 1475 in Jerez de los Caballeros, in the province of Extremadura in Castile, Spain, Balboa went on to become the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. At a time when many people in Spain were seeking their fortunes in the New World, Balboa joined an expedition to South America.
Where was Balboa beheaded?
After a brief trial, Balboa was beheaded on January 12, 1519, in Acla, near Darién, Panama.
Who was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean?
Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Explorer and conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean.
Who was Hernando de Soto?
Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquests of Central America and Peru and discovered the Mississippi River. (c. 1500–1542) Person.
Who was the first person to settle in Puerto Rico?
Juan Ponce de León. While searching for the mythical fountain of youth, Juan Ponce de León founded the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico and landed on the mainland of North America, a region he dubbed “Florida.”. (1460–1521) Person.
Where did the colonists move to?
He then convinced the remaining colonists to move to the western side of the Gulf of Uraba. They established the town of Darién on the Isthmus of Panama, which is a small strip of land that connects Central America and South America. Balboa became the interim governor of the settlement.
What ocean did Balboa see?
After a three week journey, during which the expedition lost all radio contact with their home base, Balboa found the great sea he had longed to see: the Pacific Ocean! Sadly, Balboa was to live only a few more years.
Where was Balboa born?
Balboa was born in Jerez de los Caballeros, Mexico. As a young boy, Balboa had two dreams: to be a famous explorer and to be an Olympic fencing champion. His Olympic dream never materialized, but his ability with the sword was to serve him well in battles throughout his career.
Where did Balboa find gold?
In 1511 friendly Indians told Balboa of a land called Tubanama where he could find much gold. The Indians told him this land was located across the mountains near a great sea. Hoping to please King Ferdinand of Spain with an exciting discovery, in early September 1513, Balboa led an expedition from Darien.
Who was the first European to see the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean?
Born in or near the year 1457, the Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa was the first European to see the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean. He sighted the ocean in 1513 from a mountaintop in what is now Panama. Upon reaching the shore, Balboa waded into the ocean and claimed it and all its shores for Spain.
What was Vasco Nunez de Balboa's career?
Career. Vasco Nunez de Balboa’s venture as a pig farmer had failed in Hispaniola and due to mounting debts he decided to escape from all his creditors in the island. He went on a voyage to the coastal areas of Uraba, at the time under the governorship of Alonso de Odeja, as a stowaway in the year 1510.
What was Vasco Nunez de Balboa's greatest achievement?
One of his biggest achievements was that of crossing over the southern part of the continent by crossing the present day Isthmus of Panama. He became the first European to cross over and last but not the least it is also important ...
Why did Balboa stay in Spain?
Balboa initially settled down in Hispaniola after embarking on a voyage to the Americas and during his life time he never returned to his native Spain as he stayed back in his new habitat in order to search for the legendary riches that could be found in the unexplored parts of the continent.
What did Balboa claim to make?
The expedition ended in a mountain near the Chucunaque River and the only discovery that Balboa claimed to make was the discovery of the ‘South Sea’ or the Pacific Ocean, then unknown to Europeans.
Where was Vasco Nunez born?
Childhood & Early Life. Vasco Nunez de Balboa was born to Nuno Arias de Balboa, a nobleman and Lady de Badajoz in Jerez de los Cabellaros in Spain. The exact date of his birth is unknown but the year of his birth is believed to be 1475.
Why was Balboa's voyage important?
The voyage, which was meant to rescue the settlers in the area, proved to be a very important voyage in his career as an explorer. Balboa’s knowledge of the area proved to be vital for those who led the voyage to Uraba and upon arriving in the area, the settlers in the colony were found.
Who outmanoeuvred the Governor of Veragua and usurped his position?
In the same year Balboa outmanoeuvred the Governor of Veragua and usurped his position. In 1513 Vasco Nunez de Balboa was informed about a gold-rich area and he immediately recruited men from Hispaniola to capture the territory.
Overview
Vasco Núñez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer, governor, and conquistador. He is best known for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to have seen or reached the Pacific from the New World.
He traveled to the New World in 1500 and, after some exploration, settled on t…
Early life
Balboa was born in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. He was a descendant of the Lord mason of the castle of Balboa, on the borders of León and Galicia. His mother was the Lady de Badajoz, and his father was the hidalgo (nobleman), Nuño Arias de Balboa. Little is known of Vasco's early childhood except that he was the third of four boys in his family. During his adolescence, he served as a page and squire to Don Pedro de Portocarrero, lord of Moguer.
Early career
In 1500, motivated by his master after the news of Christopher Columbus's voyages to the New World became known, he decided to embark on his first voyage to the Americas, along with Juan de la Cosa, on Rodrigo de Bastidas' expedition. Bastidas had a license to bring back treasure for the king and queen, while keeping four-fifths for himself, under a policy known as the quinto real, or "royal fifth". In 1501, he crossed the Caribbean coasts from the east of Panama, along the Colo…
The founding of Santa María
Balboa suggested that the settlement of San Sebastián be moved to the region of Darién, to the west of the Gulf of Urabá, where the soil was more fertile and the natives presented less resistance. Fernández de Enciso gave serious consideration to this suggestion, and the regiment later went to Darién, where the native cacique (chieftain) Cémaco had 500 warriors waiting, ready for battle…
Mayor of Santa María
The victory of the Spanish over the natives and the founding of Santa María la Antigua del Darién, now located in a relatively calm region, earned Balboa authority and respect among his companions. They were increasingly hostile toward Alcalde Mayor Fernández de Enciso, whom they considered a greedy despot because of the restrictions he imposed on their appropriation of the natives' gold.
Governor of Veragua
Enrique de Colmenares found Nicuesa near the town of Nombre de Dios, badly wounded and with few men remaining, on account of a skirmish with local natives. After his rescue, Governor Nicuesa heard about Balboa's exploits, the chieftain Cémaco's bounty, and Santa María's prosperity. He vowed that he would punish Balboa as soon as he gained control of the city, since he regarded his actions as a challenge to his authority in Veragua.
Conquistador
With the title of governor came absolute authority in Santa María and all of Veragua. One of Balboa's first acts as governor was the trial of Fernández de Enciso, accused of usurping the governor's authority. Fernández de Enciso was sentenced to prison and his possessions were confiscated. He was to remain imprisoned only for a short time. Balboa set him free under the condition that …
European discovery of the Pacific Ocean
Balboa received the unexpected news of a new kingdom – rich in gold – with great interest. He returned to Santa María at the beginning of 1513 to recruit more men from Hispaniola. There he learned that Fernández de Enciso had told the colonial authorities what had happened at Santa María. After seeing that there would be no assistance from Hispaniola, Balboa sent Enrique de Colmenares directly to Spain to seek help.
Early Life
America
- By 1500, word had spread all over Spain and Europe of the wonders of the New World and the fortunes being made there. Young and ambitious, Balboa joined the expedition of Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1500. The expedition was mildly successful in raiding the northeastern coast of South America. In 1502, Balboa landed in Hispaniola with enough money to set...
Back to The Darien
- Balboa stowed away (with his dog) on a ship commanded by Martín Fernández de Enciso, who was heading to the recently-founded town of San Sebastián de Urabá with supplies. He was quickly discovered and Enciso threatened to maroon him, but the charismatic Balboa talked him out of it. When they reached San Sebastián they found that natives had destroyed it. Balboa con…
Santa María La Antigua Del Darién
- The Spaniards landed in the Darién and were quickly beset by a large force of natives under the command of Cémaco, a local chieftain. Despite the overwhelming odds, the Spanish prevailed and founded the city of Santa María la Antigua de Darién on the site of Cémaco's old village. Enciso, as ranking officer, was put in charge but the men detested him. Clever and charismatic, Balboa ralli…
Veragua
- Balboa's stratagem of removing Enciso backfired in 1511. It was true that Alonso de Ojeda (and therefore, Enciso) had no legal authority over Santa María, which had been founded in an area referred to as Veragua. Veragua was the domain of Diego de Nicuesa, a somewhat unstable Spanish nobleman who had not been heard from in some time. Nicuesa was discovered in the n…
Governor
- Balboa was effectively in charge of Veragua at this point and the crown reluctantly decided to simply recognize him as governor. Once his position was official, Balboa quickly began organizing expeditions to explore the region. The local tribes of indigenous natives were not united and were powerless to resist the Spanish, who were better armed and disciplined. The colonizers collecte…
Expedition to The South
- The narrow strip of land which is Panamaand the northern tip of Colombia runs east to west, not north to south as some might suppose. Therefore, when Balboa, along with about 190 Spaniards and a handful of natives, decided to search for this sea in 1513, they headed mostly south, not west. They fought their way through the isthmus, leaving many wounded behind with friendly or …
Pedrarías Dávila
- The Spanish crown, still with some lingering doubt over whether or not Balboa had correctly handled Enciso, sent a massive fleet to Veragua (now named Castilla de Oro) under the command of veteran soldier Pedrarías Dávila. Fifteen hundred men and women flooded the tiny settlement. Dávila had been named governor to replace Balboa, who accepted the change with good humor, …
Vasco and Pedrarías
- Santa María had two leaders: officially, Dávila was governor, but Balboa was more popular. They continued to clash until 1517 when it was arranged for Balboa to marry one of Dávila’s daughters. Balboa married María de Peñalosa despite an obstacle: she was in a convent in Spain at the time and they had to marry by proxy. In fact, she never left the convent. Before long, the rivalry flared …
Death
- Fearing the charismatic Balboa as a potential rival, Dávila decided to get rid of him once and for all. Balboa was arrested by a squad of soldiers led by Francisco Pizarro as he made preparations to explore the Pacific coast of northern South America. He was hauled back to Aclo in chains and quickly tried for treason against the crown: The charge was that he had tried to establish his ow…