European Exploration of North America

©2012, TESCCC

The Spanish

• The Spanish explored the North American continent for three main reasons:

– To find riches (Goods)– To spread Christianity (God)– To expand their empire and personal fame (Glory)

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

©2012, TESCCC

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 American Indians and First Nations

– To convert American Indians and First Nations 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.

©2012, TESCCC

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

– In search of sources of wealth (gold)– Convert American Indians 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 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 starts in 1607 with the first permanent settlement at Jamestown by the Virginia Company. This success leads to the founding of 13 colonies in America.

©2012, TESCCC

©2012, TESCCC

©2012, TESCCC