European Exploration and Colonization of the New World Causes and Effects

Why did Europeans come to the New World? Economic reasons: to trade with Asia for spices, silk, perfumes, dyes, rugs, and porcelain; also, obtain wealth in gold, silver, and diamonds Political and international reasons: to be stronger nations by obtaining land and establishing colonies Cultural reasons: to spread Christianity; escape religious persecution and bring “civilization” to other people

England (or Great Britain): North America What countries established colonies in the New World (and what areas did they settle?) England (or Great Britain): North America France: Haiti; Canada; and North America Spain: Cuba; Puerto Rico; South America; and Mexico The Netherlands (Dutch): North America Portugal: Brazil

Native Americans (who they incorrectly called Indians) Who did Europeans encounter when they arrived? What happened as a result of European actions? Native Americans (who they incorrectly called Indians) Some cooperation between the groups—with trade of goods (Native Ams. trapped furs and traded for European guns and other goods) Native Ams.: taught whites to grow corn, potatoes, and squash Fighting over the land—whites wanted to own it

Effects of Europe’s actions (cont.) Diseases—killed 90% of Native Am. Population; incl. measles, smallpox, and syphillis Whites brought livestock: horses, pigs, and cows mestizos: mixed race Spanish and Native Am. English: forced the Natives to work the land— but then needed a new labor force Indentured servants: whites paid their way to the New World by working for a number of years (usually 7-10)

Effects of Europe’s actions (cont.) Slavery: became important in the south/Caribbean to work the plantations; affected Africa and African-Ams. Environment: was negatively affected by overuse of farming, raising livestock, and fur-trapping