Early Colonization of the New World Objective Students

Early Colonization of the New World Objective: Students will analyze social, political and technological advancements in the 15 th century in order to evaluate their influence on the colonization of the New World

Early Colonization of North America A. Factors enabling colonization 1. Population growth * Europe recovering from the “black plague” * Population growth causes - rise in prosperity - rise in trade - interest in new products and markets 2. New governments * Feudal lords replaced by monarchs * Monarchs unite countries * Monarchs’ goals - expand wealth and influence - acquire precious metals (wealth) - land for agriculture - convert people to Christianity

3. Technology * Advances in shipbuilding * Mariner’s compass * Allow for long distance trade B. Spain (by late 1400 s) * Drove Moors (Muslims) out of Spain * United under Ferdinand & Isabella (most powerful monarchy in Europe) * Warrior class, known as Conquistadors, want a new challenge * Want treasure of the “Indies” * Problem … Portugal controls sea routes, Muslims control land routes * Columbus offers a solution to the problem

C. Columbus * Believes route across Atlantic to Indies is faster & cheaper * Gains support of Queen Isabella * 10 week journey ends in Bahamas * Believes he is in the Indies * Reports to Spain about the “riches” found D. Spain dominates the New World * Columbus increases desire to tap new “riches” * Devotes more and more resources to exploration * Replaces Portugal as leading naval power (Armada) * 1565 – establish St. Augustine in Florida (1 st permanent European settlement) * Attempts to replace native cultures with Christianity * Bring small pox – kills 95% of natives in New World

Written Assignment Answer the following on a piece of paper and in complete sentences and turn in at the end of the period. 1. What was the direction of migration for the Native Americans? 2. What naturally occurring geographic features helped the Native Americans during their migration? 3. How does an increase in European trade encourage European migration? 4. How did pushing the Moors (Muslims) out of Spain help encourage Spanish migration? 5. What did Spain (Columbus) hope to change with the Native Americans?