In the early part of the 16th century, Spain sought to extend her rule over those parts of the world not already under the control of to other European nations. Although the early explorers had made it known that the land was not in the East Indies, many still believed that it was but a barrier to be crossed on the way. Spaniards continued exploratory voyages from the West Indies to the nearby coasts of the Gulf of Mexico, and to the north and south of the gulf, hoping to discover a water route through the land, and to find great wealth in gold and silver. The Indians told of marvelous treasures far inland and these stories fired the imagination of the Spaniards. Armed with weapons and equipment, they set out to discover new land.
Mr. Buehr has taken great care both in his comprehensive text and handsome illustrations to describe in accurate detail the conquistadores' ships and their weapons, their wilderness surroundings, and other problems. He explains why the explorers actually failed in North America, mainly because their primary objective was to gain wealth rather than to make permanent settlement.
—from the dust jacket
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