Explorers of the New World

England, France, Spain

Where did they settle

England

WhoJohn Cabot – was an Italian living in England who wanted to find his own way to Asia. He landed in Newfoundland an island off of Canada. Cabot thought he landed in Asia.

John Smith - Took control of Jamestown which was in decline. Before this time the Powhatan’s did not want to barter with the Europeans.

Pocahontas – Saved John Smith’s life when her father wanted to kill him.

Why

• Gold - The Virginia Company set sail to find gold and other valuable goods such as timber and furs.

• Glory – The glory came by claiming lands for England for the King and Queen of England.

• God – There were some explorers that left England to escape religious persecution.

France

WhoJacques Cartier – was to explore the Atlantic Coastline to find the Northwest Passage which would connect the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean which would provide a shortcut to Asia. He failed but he did claim Canada for France.

Robert de La Salle – He explored the massive length of the Mississippi River. He put a flag at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Why

• Glory – Tried to find a Northwest Passage to Asia through North America but they failed to find it.

• Gold – Did not find Gold but found something just as profitable with beaver pelts. Trapping became very huge for the French explores.

Spain

WhoFrancisco Coronado – Was to go and find the “golden city” but failed to ever find the city going as far north as the Great Plains.

Ponce de Leon – Sailed with Columbus and made a fortune with gold from Puerto Rico. Wanted to find the “fountain of youth”.

Why

• Gold - looking for riches• God – set up missions to convert Native

Americans to Christianity