8.2(A) identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America
Quick Facts:
3 G's of Exploration = God, Gold, Glory
New Exploration = Advances in Technology
3 G's of Exploration = God, Gold, Glory
New Exploration = Advances in Technology
Motivations for Exploration
1. The Growth of Trade:
In the Middle Ages, a merchant named Marco Polo (Yes, the game is named after him), returned from China and wrote about the marvelous things he witnessed there. His writing increased the desire of the Europeans to trade with the countries in Asia, especially for spices. 2. Advances in Technology: As a result of increased contact with other cultures, Europeans gained new technologies that helped them explore the world by sailing. The magnetic compass (from China), the improvements in sails (from Arabia), the moveable rudder, and the use of the angle of the sun to guide navigation all allowed Europeans to sail farther that ever before. Additionally, Prince Henry the Navigator sponsored the exploration of the Atlantic coast of Africa by Portuguese sailors. 3. Powerful European Rulers: In the quest for more power, many European countries like Spain, France, and Portugal hoped to extend their influence and power through exploration and conquest. These rulers built large armies and navies to in an attempt to expand their empires in other places around the world. This would eventually lead to colonization. 4. Desire for Profit: Many people during this time, including rulers, were seeing new wealth from investment and trade. Some hoped to increase their profit through exploration. 5. Religion: European missionaries, especially from Spain and Portugal, sought to spread Christianity throughout the world. Christian missionaries believed they not only had a superior religion, but also a superior culture. |