Motivations for Colonization

Discovery of the Americas Around 1000 AD the Vikings arrive in North America. Attempts to form permanent colonies fail – NA out number. Backed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain Christopher Columbus embarks for Asia, intending to circle the globe. Made 4 expeditions to the Americas 1492 – reaches the Bahamas (san Salvador island), then Cuba, then Hispaniola. Returns to Spain with gold, spices and Native Americans

Exploration Later explorations made it clear that Columbus had not reached Asia but an undiscovered continent The Spanish explored most of the Caribbean and established the Spanish empire Other European countries tried to catch up and establish empires of their own.

The Columbian Exchange An exchange of culture between Native Americans and Europeans. Creates a new culture in the world as both sides constantly exchange ideas

The Columbian Exchange Domesticated animals, wheel and axel, diseases, grains, coffee, sugar cane, honey bees, fruits Potatoes, chocolate, corn, tobacco, tomatoes, vanilla, turkeys, gold and silver

Meanwhile… Back in Europe… England had made no real effort to colonize America Government had little money Spain and England were allies During the late 1500s religious, economic and political changes will spur English colonization

Protestant Reformation Ends catholic domination and changes the world Martin Luther 1517 voices complaints about the catholic church Corruption Manipulation Printing Press Allowed more copies of the bible for individuals to read Printed protestant essays and pamphlets

Religious Conflict Tensions between religious groups lead to tensions between nations Spain = Catholic France = Catholic and Protestant England = Protestant France vs. Spain in Florida England vs. Spain at sea

Defeat of the Spanish Armada English ships and ‘sea dogs’ raid Spanish ships, colonies and trade centers around the world Sir Francis Drake Spain sends an Armada to deal with England and return Catholicism 130 warships Small fast English ships and sudden storm cripple the armada

Defeat of the Spanish Armada Weakened Spanish navy End of Spanish dominance of the seas (beginning of English dominance) Increases English colonization of North America Other European nations follow England to challenge Spain for land in the New World

Economic Changes Enclosure movement – evicted thousands of tenant farmer from their land Joint stock companies – pooled money to support big projects. Merchants could work together to trade and colonize Need for new markets - capitalism

Why Colonize? National Rivalries Religion Economic Opportunities Spread Christianity (Catholicism or Protestantism) Escape religious persecution Economic Opportunities Political Unrest

Britain’s Colonization Overpopulation Lack of land Inheritance Growth of Puritanism Look for shorter trade routes to Asia Northwest passage Through the North American Continent