European Colonization of the Americas
Spanish in North America After 1492 – Spain builds empire in North America Why? Spread Christianity-built missions Built forts to protect the missions Gain wealth Win fame “God, Gold and Glory”
Spanish Explorers Ponce de Leon –Fountain of Youth. Named Florida Balboa – 1 st European to see the Pacific Ocean from American soil Magellan – His exploration team sailed around the world. Cortes – Conquered Aztec Empire Pizarro – Conquered Incan Empire
Conquistador means “Spanish conqueror”
English Colonization 1600’s John Cabot – 1 st to cross the Atlantic Henry Hudson- discovered Hudson Bay Sir Francis Drake – attacked Spanish ships. “SEA DOG” Hudson and Cabot – searching for Northwest Passage
Why Colonize N. America? Base to attack Spanish ships Helped in the search for a Northwest passage New markets for English merchants Place to send the out of work and homeless from England
Jamestown Settled in 1607 Settlers grew tobacco-needed workers for plantations. Indentured servants and then slaves. John Smith – leader 1614 House of Burgesses – first example of limited self-government in English colonies
French Explorers Verrazano – searched for Northwest Passage Champlain – Founded Quebec Cartier - “New France” – was claimed by France. Canada and parts of America.
Why did the French come? French sold fur for great gain in Europe. High fashion in 1600’s to wear fur. Native Americans trapped animals and traded their fur to the French.
Puritans Broke away from the Anglican church in England. Persecuted in England. Wanted a “purer” kind of church.
Plymouth pilgrims settle Plymouth Colony Mayflower Compact - Agreement made by settlers to obey all of their government’s laws.
Middle Colonies New York-1624 by Dutch. Taken by English. New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Settlers came from a variety of countries.
Southern Colonies Virginia Maryland – Roman Catholics only North Carolina South Carolina Georgia – settled by debtors