This textbook examines Spanish exploration, conquest, settlement, and colonization of present-day Mexico, United States, and the Caribbean, and the conflicts and exchanges resulting from culture contact between Spaniards and Native Americans. Chapters cover: (1) first contacts in the Caribbean, enslavement of Native Americans, arrival of African slaves, and society in the Spanish colonies; (2) conquest of the Aztecs, the "Columbian Exchange" (cultural exchange), and creating a Hispanic Mexico; (3) settlement of Florida and founding of St. Augustine; (4) settlement of New Mexico, the Pueblo revolt, and the blending of Spanish and Native cultures to form a unique New Mexican culture; (5) settlement of Texas and establishment of large cattle ranches; and (6) settlement of California, the role of the missions, and the independence of Mexico. Each chapter contains an outline of key ideas, questions for review and critical thinking, a short piece on Hispanic heritage, and suggestions for related writing assignments. Many questions stimulate thinking about Native American resistance to Spanish settlement and Native contributions to present-day Hispanic-American culture. This book contains an index, a glossary, timelines, maps, and drawings. An accompanying separately published "Teacher's Resource Manual" contains lesson plans, teaching tips, historical sidelights, focus activities, and chapter tests and answers. (SV)