Final answer:
Hernando de Soto's expedition was known for its extensive exploration of the southeastern United States and the introduction of European diseases that affected native populations, culminating in de Soto's death and the expedition's failure to find gold.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expedition of Hernán de Soto was notable for its extensive exploration and unfortunate consequences for both native populations and the explorers themselves.
Hernando de Soto participated in the conquest of the Inca before leading a three-year expedition from 1539 to 1542, intending to find gold in what is now the southeastern United States. De Soto's expedition was marked by the introduction of European diseases to Native American populations, which caused thousands of deaths.
Furthermore, in search of wealth, the explorers covered a vast area, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas. Despite these efforts, the expedition failed to locate the anticipated riches and concluded with de Soto's death and a diminished, disillusioned band of survivors returning to Mexico City.