Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
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He came from a family of Spanish
conquistadors
Appointed by the King of Spain to be the
treasure and second in command for the
expedition to Spanish north America
He was appointed governor of a South
American colony by the king.
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Historical Context : The ideas and details
from the authors time that’s influence the
written work
La Relacion is a primary source because it is
an eyewitness report.
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Why do some people survive an ordeal while
others perish? (With the person sitting next to
you discuss this question and come up with a
viable answer. Write the response in your day
book. Be ready to share)
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As you read discover how the writer’s beliefs
about Native Americans change as a result of
his harrowing experiences. (write a two
paragraph response in your day book after we
read)
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La Relacion opens with Cabeza de Vaca and
his dying men adrift on a barge. They wash
ashore on Galveston Island, where the
Karankawa Indians welcome and feed them.
When the conquistadors embark again, their
barge capsizes, and the starving survivors
return to shore. The Karankawas care for
them again, but when disease spreads
throughout the island the Native Americans
make the Spaniards serve as medicine men.
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Who are some of the explores of our world
today?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Who was the original audience for La Relacion?
What is the different between the way the
Karankaws and the Spanish try and cure
sickness?
What preconceived notions did the Spanish have
about the Indians
Did the Karankawas’ actions support the
conquistadors preconceived notions?
How much are the preconceived notions a
person holds base on historical context rather
than person experience
Answer question 7 on page 79