Motives for European Exploration

Motives for European Exploration

by Shernika Paige

​In the 1400s, a new interest in exploration arose among Europe’s leaders. This new interest would soon result in Europeans’ discovery of the Americas.  The Europeans wanted many things, but spices, gold, and power were at the top of the list. They also wanted to have more spices, more gold, and more power than their neighbors. These interests led to many of the European countries competing to find new treasures and new sea routes.

Open Ended

What list of items Europeans wanted have more of________?

Sentence Stem: Europeans wanted to have more of..................

Better and faster ships allowed the European explorers to go farther than ever before. Better maps allowed explorers to avoid some dangers. As a result, during the 1400s, 1500s, and 1600s, the Europeans discovered many places that they had never known existed.

European exploration grew, in large part, from a desire to buy products, particularly spices, from Asia. Trade with the East, however, was expensive and difficult. Muslims and Italians controlled the flow of trade. As a result, explorers began to seek ocean routes. Sea travel would provide faster and cheaper trade routes to the rich products of India and China.​

Multiple Choice

What type of transportation was used for European explorers to go further than before?

• Mercedes

• Car

• Ship

• Jet

Multiple Choice

What were the European Explorers Nationality?

• England, Spain, France

• African, Chinese, Australian

• English, Spaniard, French

• Native Americans, Eskimos, Canadians

​Other motives also came into play. Many people were excited by the opportunity for new knowledge. Explorers saw the chance to earn fame and glory as well as wealth. Some craved adventure. And as new lands were discovered, nations wanted to claim the lands’ riches for themselves.

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A final motive for exploration was the desire to spread Christianity. Both Protestant and Catholic nations were eager to make new converts. Missionaries followed the path blazed by explorers, sometimes using force to bring native peoples into their faiths. 

Open Ended

What are the 3 G's and what were there purpose for the European Exploration?

Sentence Stem: The purpose of the European Exploration is.....

The 3 G's God, Gold. and Glory ​

• ​God: explored to spread Christianity OR to escape religious persecution; possible symbol can be + (cross)

• Glory: explored to gain more land/power for their country or individual fame; possible symbol can be * (star)

• Gold: explored to gain wealth from spices, furs, and other natural resources; possible symbol can be $

Open Ended

What countries sponsored voyages of exploration to North America?

Sentence Stem: Countries that sponsored voyages of exploration to North America are .......

Open Ended

In what continent are these countries located?

Sentence Stem: These countries are located in.....

Open Ended

What continents did these countries explore?

Sentence Stem: Continents explored at this time were.......

Open Ended

What ocean did most explorers cross?

Sentence Stem: Most explorers crossed the........

European Exploration and Colonization of America​

​England, Spain and France

​England

​One reason England explored and colonized America was to obtain greater wealth. English explorers made money by trading fur and lumber and fishing bountiful seas.  Another reason England explored was to compete with other European nations such as Spain and France. When England claimed land and colonies in the name of the King, they brought fame and glory to themselves and their country. Finally, some people living in England traveled across the Atlantic to escape religious persecution. Groups, such as the Puritans, hoped to find religious freedom in America. England explored and colonized the Atlantic coast of America.

                       

Open Ended

Some people living in England traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to escape from what?

Use sentence Stem: England traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to escape from.......

Multiple Choice

What area did the England explore and end up colonizing?

• U. S. Southwest

• Florida

• Canada

• Atlantic Coast of America

​Spain

​One reason Spain explored and colonized America was for wealth and power. Spanish explorers looked for riches, such as gold and silver, in new lands. Spain was also in competition with other European countries such as England and Portugal. They were competing for the fame and glory of their country. The sought land to colonize for their King and Queen in order to expand the Spanish empire. Finally, Spain also began to colonize land because of the desire to convert Native Americans to Roman Catholicism—the main religion of Spain. The main areas Spain explored in America include Florida, Texas, and the U.S. Southwest.

Multiple Choice

Spain begin to colonize land because of the desire to convert Native Americans to _________?

• Buddhism

• Islam

• Roman Catholicism

• Christianity

​France

​One reason France explored and colonized America was the desire for wealth. French explorers looked for a Northwest Passage to Asia to obtain spices and silk. They also made money by trading furs. Another reason France explored was to claim land for their country. By claiming territory in the name of France, they brought glory and pride to their country. Finally, some French colonized American because of the desire to convert Native Americans to the Roman Catholic religion. France explored the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.

Open Ended

What was the French reason for seeking a Northwest Passage to Asia?

Multiple Choice

France explored what areas in the new land adventure?

• Ohio River Valley

  Brazos River

• Mississippi River and Georgetown

• Mississippi River and Great Lakes

• Mississippi River and Lake Houston