Reasons for Exploring E#4

Scandinavian Vikings made first historical landings in North America in the 980’s

4 reasons that motivated Europeans to explore

I. Religion Wanted to spread Christianity throughout the world

II. Gold Four major countries: –Portugal, – Spain, –France, –England Needed Money

III. Glory spirit of adventure spirit of adventure Looked forward to the gloryLooked forward to the glory

IV. Shorter Route Farmers needed: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper to flavor meat Spices came from the Far East Europeans wanted a faster and easier route

Hernando DeSoto First to record expedition through Georgia in 1540 In search of gold and silver Explored much of the Southeastern US Came up through Florida with more than 600 men

Hernando De Soto Searches Georgia for Gold In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, with hundreds of men, marched north from Tampa, Florida into southwest Georgia (near today’s Albany). De Soto’s weapons, plated armor, and horses overwhelmed the Native Americans; thousands of American Indians in Georgia died, many from disease brought by the Spaniards. The Spaniards marched across Georgia into South Carolina, but never found the gold they sought.gold

90% of the Native population vanished Natives had never seen: –Guns, steel swords, metal armor, or horses Only weapons Natives had were made of wood and stone Many were killed in battle or just plain murdered Many were made slaves

Natives Vanished (Continued) 1 in 3 Natives died from Measles, chicken pox, small pox Because they had never been exposed to these diseases With so few Natives left, the Spanish began to import black slaves from Africa to work in the fields and mines

Pedro Menendez Spain sent him because they were worried about French success He built St. Augustine –First successful settlement in North America

St. Augustine Menendez helped build missions Church outpost The Friars (Church Missionaries) work with the natives teaching them: –Read and write –Religion –Modern agricultural techniques –They also traded with the natives

Spain’s Early Missions in Georgia In 1566, Spain established missions on Georgia’s Cumberland Island and St. Catherine’s Island, called Santa Catalina. During the same century, posts were established at Sapelo and St. Simon’s Island. The Spanish missionaries called the region Guale (pronounced “Wallie”) after the Guale Indians.Guale Indians Later established missions at St. Simons and Sapelo at the mouth of the Altamaha River Click to return to the Table of Contents

Explorer Quick Facts 1.Which explorer is responsible for opening the Eastern Seaboard for England? 2.What was the first permanent settlement in America? 3.The Spanish were successful in establishing settlements because they set up _______. 4.Who brought death and destruction to the natives of Georgia? 5.Why was Columbus traveling west?