1. Colonizing North America
Coach kuntz
United States History

2. The Continuing Hunt for Asia
-Between 1497 and 1682, the English, French, and Dutch explored much of the eastern United States.
-These countries wanted (1) to build empires similar to the one that Spain built in Central and South America and (2) to find a western route to Asia.
-Specifically, explorers were searching for the northwest passage, which is a waterway than runs through or around North America.

3. The French
-The first permanent French colony in the Americas was founded in 1605– it was called Port Royal.
- The French also built an important trading post in present day Canada, and called it Quebec.
-Their was little gold or silver in the lands held by the French. Instead, the French made a profit by fishing, trapping, and trading with Native American tribes.
-The French got along with Native American tribes because, (1) the French did not try to conquer the Native Americans and (2) they did not try to farm the land, so they did not interfere with Native American use of the lands.
-The lands held by France in North America was controlled by the French king and government, just like in New Spain.

4. The Dutch
-During the 17th century, the Dutch established a colony in North America which was called “New Netherland”.
-In 1626, the Dutch bought Manhattan Island from a local Native American tribe and named this settlement New Amsterdam. This became present day New York City.
-Like the French, the Dutch made their fortune in the new world by trading furs.

5. The French vs. The Dutch
-Because fur trading was the primary source of profit for French and Dutch settlements, the two groups competed (sometimes violently) for control of the fur trade.
-The French and Dutch formed alliances with Native American tribes to help in fighting each other.
-The European powers not only fought each other, but the encouraged their Native American allies to fight each other to gain control over the fur trade.
-The Beaver Wars- From 1629 to 1701, the Iroquois (backed by the Dutch) fought a series of battles against the French and French supported Native American Tribes

6. Review -What is the northwest passage? -What is Port Royal?
-Why were the French able to get along with Native American tribes?
-The Dutch colony established in North America was called what?
-How did the French and Dutch make a profit in the Americas? Why did they resort to this?
-Who did the French and Dutch make alliances with in order to compete in the fur trade?
-What were the Beaver Wars?