Final answer:
De Soto used a combination of diplomacy and force to deal with angry Indians during his expeditions in what is now the southeastern United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
During his expeditions in what is now the southeastern United States, Hernando de Soto used a combination of diplomacy and force to deal with angry Indians. De Soto would often convince Native American leaders to ally with him, promising them protection and rewards if they complied. However, if negotiations failed, de Soto and his men were not hesitant to use violence to assert their dominance. This approach allowed de Soto to navigate through different indigenous territories, but it also resulted in significant loss of Native American lives due to European diseases brought by the Spaniards.