In this episode of "Understanding America," the focus is on the theme of conquest from Tony Horwitz's book A Voyage Long and Strange.

The discussion delves into the expeditions of early European explorers who first set foot in what is now the United States, specifically highlighting the Panfilo de Narváez, Coronado, and De Soto expeditions. The episode begins by contextualizing the Spanish Reconquista's completion in 1492, which fueled Spain's confidence to explore and conquer new territories. It explores the motivations behind these expeditions, including the quest for gold and resources, and the moral justifications provided by papal bulls that sanctioned the subjugation of non-Christians. The narrative follows Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's harrowing journey through Florida to Mexico, revealing his transformation from a conquistador to a sympathetic figure towards Native Americans. The episode continues with Coronado's expedition into the Great Plains, where he encounters various Native tribes and discovers that the promised riches are mere illusions, leading to a brutal campaign marked by violence and exploitation. It culminates with Hernando de Soto's brutal expeditionary march across the southern United States. Ultimately, the episode reflects on the long-term consequences of these conquests on both Native populations and European settlers.