Motives for European exploration of the New World God, Gold, Glory Motives for European exploration of the New World
God Religious freedom ~ Puritans (1620s) came to practice religion their own way Protestant Reformation ~ A split in the Catholic church (1500s); Catholic & Protestant countries spread their brand of Christianity to the New World
Gold Natural Resources ~ Gold, Silver, new food/plant items Wealth (Mercantilism) ~ Colonies exist to benefit the mamma country; wealth was taken out of the colonies to enrich treasuries Northwest Passage to Asia ~ lucrative trade route was Holy Grail of exploration
Glory Rivalry between nations ~ more territory meant more national glory Nationalism ~ a pride in one’s nation.
Age of Exploration Spirit of adventure!
European treatment of Native Americans In general, Natives were viewed as inferior & to be exploited for economic, political & religious gain. Spanish policy ~ conquer, enslave, intermarry French policy ~ alliances, trade (furs), relatively good relationship, few French colonists English policy ~ coexisted initially followed by warfare. English saw Natives as “savage”; Natives were threatened by English land grab
Review What were 3 Economic reasons for exploration? 1. Natural resources 2. Northwest Passage 3. Economic opportunities (see push factors) What were 2 Social reasons? 1. Religious freedom from persecution 2. Settlement opportunities for debtors & the poor What was 1 major Political reason? 1. Expansion of the power and influence of the European countries (ie. England’s position against Spain)