1. Motives for European exploration of the New World
God, Gold, Glory
Motives for European exploration of the New World

2. 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

3. 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

4. Glory
Rivalry between nations ~ more territory meant more national glory
Nationalism ~ a pride in one’s nation.

5. Age of Exploration
Spirit of adventure!

6. 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

7. 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)