Topic 1 3 European Exploration in the Americas

Topic 1. 3 European Exploration in the Americas 1491 -1607

Learning Objective: Explain the causes of exploration and conquest of the New World by various European nations.

Thematic Focus: Diplomatic, economic, cultural, and military interactions between empires, nations, and peoples shape the development of America and America’s increasingly important role in the world.

Causes of European Exploration Europe in the 16 th Century Scandinavian Vikings—Greenland, 1000 Europe unable to meet the challenge of sustained colonization • Lack of economic/technical resources • Political/social division • Feudalism – Preoccupation with local concerns – Illiterate, poor, unfree citizenry

Europe Moves Toward Exploration Improvements in Technology Demise of feudalism/rise of rival nation-states Growth of cities and a strong merchant class The Renaissance and education Printing press (mass produced books on geography, foreign culture, trade) Advances in ship design and navigation

Europe Moves Toward Exploration Expanding Trade New Routes Slave Trading

Europe Moves Toward Exploration Religious Conflict Catholic Victory (Spain) • Stability and unity Protestant Reformation (N. Europe) • Competition to spread the “right” version of Christianity

Europe Moves Toward Exploration Reasons for Leaving “Old World” Escape from direct religious persecution Fear about religious future at home Anxiety about political change in Europe Dismay over the economy Need for farmland Relief from joblessness

Europe Moves Toward Exploration Reasons for Coming to “New World” Desire for gold and precious metals Claims to new colonies (mercantilism) Missionary work Adventure and curiosity Trade Passage to the Far East (NW Passage) “Gold, God, & Glory”