European Age of Exploration Time Period 1492 1520

European Age of Exploration

Time Period 1492 -1520 The European Age of Exploration led to the discovery of the Americas, which would greatly affect North America and the entire world. Some of the influences of the European nations would have lasting impacts on American culture and society.

Nations Involved in Exploration There were many European nations who hired explorers to find riches and claim land for them. These nations included: Spain France Netherlands Italy England

Reasons for Exploration Find an all water route to Asia God (spread religion) Glory (expand their empire) Gold (become rich)

Christopher Columbus (1492) Asked the King and Queen of Spain for money Sailed across the Atlantic Ocean looking for another route to Asia Landed on present day Bahamas and named the island Hispaniola but thought he had found Asia Sailed with 3 ships (Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria) Made four trips to the New World looking for gold, and collecting exotic plants and animals

Amerigo Vespucci (1501) Inspired by Columbus to sail across the Atlantic Ocean Sailed for Spain to the coast of present day South America Believed he found a “new world” NOT Asia The continents were labeled America in honor of Vespucci.

Ferdinand Magellan (1519) From Portugal but sailed with a Spanish fleet Sailed down the east coast of South America and continued into the Pacific Ocean Killed in the Philippines in a battle with the native people

Henry Hudson (1575 -1611) From England but sailed for the Dutch Sailed in search of the Northwest Passage (a water route through North America to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans) Discovered the Hudson Bay and sailed up the Hudson River looking

John Cabot (1497 -1498) From Italy but sailed for England in search of the Northwest Passage Paid for his own expedition Traveled along the coast of Newfoundland in Canada His voyages became the basis of England’s claim to land in North America.

Samuel de Champlain (1567 -1635) Sailed for France Explored the St. Lawrence River in Canada Founded the colony of Quebec Reached the lake which is now named for him (Lake Champlain)

Giovanni da Verrazzano (1520 -1528) From Italy but sailed for France Sailed up the Atlantic coastline from the Carolinas to New. Foundland Explored the New York Harbor in 1524 Was killed on an island in the Caribbean by Natives