European Exploration of North America

The Spanish

• The Spanish explored the North American continent for main reasons that are categorized as:– To find riches (Goods)—Gold and silver– To spread religion, or Christianity (God)– To expand their empire (Glory)– Forced Native Americans to convert to Christianity

• They explored and eventually settled land in present-day Florida, Southwest United States, Mexico, and the islands in the Caribbean.

The French• The French explored North America for these reasons:

– In search of a water route through the New World known as the Northwest Passage (all three European countries were in search of a faster, cheaper trade route to Asia)

– A source of wealth through fur trade with the Native Americans

– To convert Native Americans to Christianity

• They explored Canada, the Louisiana Territory, and islands within the Caribbean; they eventually set up trading settlements and forts for protection of those settlements.

• Settled along the St. Lawrence, the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi River.

The English• The English explored North America for these reasons:

– In search of sources of wealth (gold)– Convert Native Americans to Christianity– Claim land for England– Search for trade routes– Freedom from religious persecution– Expansion of their empire and become competitive with other powerful

European nations such as Spain

• England saw the North America’s natural resources as means for gaining wealth and international stature.

• Explorers risked their lives for fame, curiosity, and pride for their nation.

• The English Colonial Era will start in 1607 with the first permanent settlement at Jamestown by the Virginia Company. This success will lead to the founding of 13 colonies in America.

Obstacles

• Poor maps

• Disease and starvation

• Fear of the unknown

Achievements

• Exchange of Ideas

• Better ships

• Claimed land ( Glory)

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