Vasco Nunez de Balboa was one of the world's most beneficial explorers. After settling the first colony, he exposed Panama and the Pacific Ocean to the European people. Balboa claimed the Pacific Ocean for the monarchs of Spain. He was the first European to cross the Isthmus of Panama. The Spanish made Panama a hub for trade because of the abundance of pearls that Balboa found. This led to the building of the Panama canal. A very effective leader, he started three provinces and controlled the city of Darien. As governor, Balboa brought a system of strict order and obedience to the natives by burning their villages if they didn't comply to his requests. Although he didn't treat all the natives with kindness, he was less harsh with the ones that willingly obeyed him. Balboa set a precedent of strict control for other conquistadors that explored South and Central America.