PowerPoint can be used to introduce explorers or as classroom posters! European Explorers PowerPoint PowerPoint can be used to introduce explorers or as classroom posters! © Erin Kathryn 2014

Christopher Columbus Sailed for: Spain Year(s) of Exploration: 1492-1504 Obstacles: Death No maps Uncharted waters Frightened crew Accomplishments: Discovered the “New World” and what became Cuba Sailed for Queen Isabella and King Ferninand © Erin Kathryn 2014

Hernando De Soto Sailed for: Spain Year(s) of Exploration: 1538-1542 Obstacles: Fought with Native Americans and against sicknesses Accomplishments: Traveled through the Appalachian Mountains First European to cross the Mississippi River Died in 1542 without finding gold. © Erin Kathryn 2014

Vasco Nunez de Balboa Sailed for: Spain Year(s) of Exploration: 1500-1519 Obstacles: Fought with Native Americans Uncharted waters Accomplishments: First to see the Pacific Ocean from Panama © Erin Kathryn 2014

Jacques Cartier Sailed for: France Year(s) of Exploration: 1534-1541 Obstacles: Sailors caught diseases Uncharted waters Accomplishments: Explored what became the St. Lawrence River in Canada Helped France get rich with the fur trade Discovered Newfoundland © Erin Kathryn 2014

John Cabot Sailed for: England Year(s) of Exploration: 1496-1498 Obstacles: No maps Looked for Northwest Passage, but couldn’t find it Accomplishments: Sailed to what became Canada and found rich fishing area © Erin Kathryn 2014

Henry Hudson Sailed for: England Year(s) of Exploration: 1607-1611 Obstacles: Crew rebelled (mutinied) in the cold climate Accomplishments: Sailed up what is now the Hudson River in New York Claimed what is now Hudson Bay in Canada © Erin Kathryn 2014