The 7 Reasons for Exploration Read and listen about the 7 reasons people went exploring. Take notes while reading and listening on a lined piece of paper. Be prepared to discuss in class.

Curiosity The first reason people went exploring was curiosity. The explorers wanted to know more about the world. They wanted to find new places and discover new things. What is something you have been curious about?

Fame Another reason people went exploring was fame. The explorers wanted to become famous for their accomplishments. They wanted to name the new places they found and maybe even have books written about them like Marco Polo.

Religion People also went exploring to spread their religions. Your religion is your set of beliefs about God or gods and how people should live their lives. Countries wanted to spread their religious beliefs around the world. Many of the explorers were Christian and wanted people in distant places to become Christian too.

New Trade Routes Explorers were looking for new trade routes. They wanted to find new ways to reach the Indies. There were valuable things to trade for in the Indies and the paths merchants had to travel to reach there were long and dangerous. Beginning with Christopher Columbus, explorers were looking for a way to travel west to reach the Indies.

Wealth Explorers were also looking for wealth. They wanted to become wealthy by finding new riches and treasures. They also wanted their countries to become wealthy and powerful. If you discovered a treasure, what would you use the wealth for?

National Pride Explorers were proud of the countries who sponsored their trips. When explorers landed in new places, they claimed that land for their country. New Lands made their countries more wealthy and powerful.

Foreign Goods Explorers wanted to discover new items. They wanted to bring back the new items they found to sell. Explorers found new foods, new types of clothing, and new inventions. These discoveries helped make them and their countries wealthy.

The 7 reasons people went exploring were… Curiosity Fame Religion New Trade Routes Wealth National Pride Foreign Goods

Your Assignment—To be DONE in Class Using the notes you’ve collected while listening/reading these slides, make a list of reasons why people explored. Be ready to discuss in class.