Answer:
b. To explore and search for gold.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and left Spain along with a large number of men (enough to see nine ships) to explore the west coast of Florida and find wealth for the Spanish crown and himself. The main objective was to find gold, or another precious metal that would provide a great profit for such a long and tiring trip.
De Soto also explored regions elsewhere in America, including South America. Most expeditions had the same objective of seeking wealth.