1. Motivations for Colonization

2. 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

3. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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