The second era we will learn about is the Age of Contact. In this era, students will learn about the European Exploration of Texas. We will go through the stories of various Spanish explorers and the mishaps of the French. This era brings us our first two "flags" of Texas as well as our first important year to know, 1519. This information will set the foundation for Texas and our Spanish roots from 1519 to 1821.

Our standards for this era:
(1) History. The student understands traditional historical points of reference in Texas history. The student is expected to:
(A) identify the major eras in Texas history, describe their defining characteristics, and explain the purpose of dividing the past into eras, including Age of Contact;
(B) explain the significance of the following dates: 1519, mapping of the Texas coast and first mainland Spanish settlement;

(2) History. The student understands how individuals, events, and issues through the Mexican National Era shaped the history of Texas. The student is expected to:
(B) identify important individuals, events, and issues related to European exploration of Texas such as Alonso Álvarez de Pineda, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, the search for gold, and the conflicting territorial claims between France and Spain;