Final answer:
Hernando de Soto's expeditions from 1539 to 1542 across the southeastern United States resulted in the spread of European diseases among Native American populations, lacking the anticipated gold and silver, and setting the stage for further European colonization and its impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consequences of Hernando de Soto's Venture
One of the consequences of Hernán de Soto's venture into North America was the spread of European diseases among the Native American populations. Hernando de Soto had participated in Pizarro's conquest of the Inca and from 1539 to 1542, led expeditions into what is today the southeastern United States. His quest for gold led him and his men through various territories including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and several other states.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, de Soto's expeditions had other lasting effects. The Spanish conquest encouraged by these explorations ultimately did not yield the anticipated gold and silver, and de Soto himself died during the expedition. The surviving members of his expedition returned to Mexico City, having drastically altered the demographics and social structures of the native societies they encountered.