Today, we are going to learn about European exploration and colonization of North America.

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During the 15th Century, European countries began to explore new trade routes to increase their wealth. By building an empire, the country develops a steady source of income from raw materials and a guaranteed place to sell trade goods. This is known as the economic theory of mercantilism.

For centuries, countries in Europe had been trading with India and China to get these valuable trade goods. They had been trading over land, which was long and dangerous. With advances in technology and navigation, using water routes became more popular than land routes.

Ferdinand and Isabella knew they needed to do something. That same year, Christopher Columbus came to them and asked for funding to an expedition to India and China across the Atlantic.

We will also talk about the following concepts: Glory God and Gold
Reconquista
Conquistadors
The Columbian Exchange
Northwest Passage

During the 15th Century, European countries began to explore new trade routes to increase their wealth. At the time, monarchs believed there was a limited amount of gold (or wealth) in the world, and they began racing to to acquire more gold than their rivals so they would have most power. By building an empire, the country develops a steady source of income from raw materials and a guaranteed place to sell trade goods. This is known as the economic theory of mercantilism. In essence, empires and colonies exist to make the “mother country” - the country creating the empire - more money.

Because of this, monarchs were willing to risk spending money to fund expeditions by purchasing ships and supplies in the hope of a positive return on investment. This means monarchs hoped they would get back more money than they spent in the form of gold, spices, and other valuable trade goods.

For centuries, countries in Europe had been trading with India and China to get these valuable trade goods. They had been trading over land, which was long and dangerous. With advances in technology and navigation, using water routes became more popular than land routes. At first, Portugal was winning this race, funding more expeditions than other countries.

However, that was about to change. For centuries, Spain had been ruled be the Moors - Islamic people from North Africa who had established their own empire. Almost as soon as the Moors conquered Spain, the Spanish fought to regain control of their country. In 1492, after nearly 700 years of fighting, the Moors were finally defeated in Granada, and Ferdinand and Isabella were able unify their control over Spain.
Ferdinand and Isabella saw Columbus’ proposal as an opportunity to start gaining wealth for Spain, which based on the theory of mercantilism would make Spain powerful again. Two months later, Columbus landed on some small islands and incorrectly believed he had found a faster route to India. Columbus never realized he had stumbled upon a new continent, which other’s quickly realized.

This “discovery” turned out to be a perfect opportunity for Ferdinand and Isabella. Not only did they gain riches, but it could also solve another problem they were facing. Remember, the people of Spain had fought for 700 years to reconquer their country. Without a war, nobles were getting restless. By sending the Conquistadors to the New World, Spain had an opportunity to build an empire and limiting risks of uprisings or civil war in Spain. Spanish exploration became very successful, at the cost of millions of Native Americans (more on this later), and Spain became one of the most powerful countries in Europe.

To help us remember the reasons for Spanish exploration, we talk about the 3Gs: Glory, God, and Gold. Spain sent out explorers or conquistadors for both personal glory and the glory of the Spain. Spanish exploration took on a religious tone, sending out people to establish missions and spread Christianity to Native Americans (God). They also wanted to acquire more wealth in the form of gold.
French colonization looked very different from Spanish colonization. To help us remember the reasons for French settlement, we remember the 3 Fs: Friends, Fur, and Fish.
The British also explored the Hudson Bay because they were looking for a Northwest Passage - an all water route to China and India that when North across North America. This, however, does not exist.

One major effect of European colonization was what we call the Columbian Exchange. This is the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the New World (North and South America) and the Old World (Europe and Africa).


#colonizationofamerica #europeanexploration #americanexploration

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