US01d Review

Which European kingdoms explored and settled in parts of North America?

• The Spanish

• The English

• The French

• The Dutch

Answer explanation

1. The primary European countries that initially explored North America during the 15-17th Centuries were;

2. Spain: Spain played a significant role in early colonization efforts in the Americas, with explorers like Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés establishing territories in present-day Mexico, Florida, and the American Southwest.

3. France: French explorers, led by Samuel de Champlain and Jacques Cartier, focused on establishing trade routes and fur-trading posts in areas like Canada, the Great Lakes region, and parts of the Mississippi River valley.

4. England: The English pursued colonization efforts along the Atlantic coast, establishing colonies such as Jamestown in Virginia and Plymouth in Massachusetts through the Virginia Company and Pilgrims, respectively.

5. Netherlands: The Dutch established settlements, most notably New Amsterdam (later became New York City), in present-day New York, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Which European kingdom was the first to explore and establish a presence in North America?

• The Spanish

• The English

• The French

• The Dutch

Answer explanation

The first European kingdom to explore and establish a presence in North America was Spain.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus, sailing under the Spanish flag, made his famous voyage across the Atlantic and reached the islands of the Caribbean. This event marked the beginning of significant European exploration and contact with the Americas. Subsequently, Spanish explorers, conquistadors, and settlers ventured further into the continent, establishing colonies and territories in areas such as present-day Mexico, Florida, the American Southwest, and parts of South America.

First permanent settlement in what would later become the United States was the Spanish settlement of Saint Augustine, Florida.

The ​ (a)   sought colonies in the Americas to extract ​ (b)   and their primary means of doing so was ​ (c)   and the mining of ​ (d)   .

• Spanish
• wealth
• agriculture
• gold and silver

Whom did the Spanish try to subjugate (enslave) to help them extract wealth from their colonial holdings (colonies)?

• Native Americas

• Africans

• Other Spanish

• Asians

Answer explanation

The Spanish tried to extract wealth from their colonies in the Americas by subjugating and enslaving two groups: the indigenous peoples and African slaves. They forced the indigenous populations into labor systems like encomienda and mita, similar to slavery. Additionally, they brought enslaved Africans to work on plantations and in mines. This exploitation had severe consequences on the native populations and contributed to significant changes during the colonial period.

What was the primary motivating factor for the French in North America?

• Trade

• Wars in Europe

• Persecution of the protestants in France known as Heugots

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The primary motivating factor for the French in North America was the pursuit of trade and economic opportunities.

Unlike the Spanish, who focused on extracting valuable resources like gold and silver, the French were more interested in establishing a profitable fur trade industry in North America. They sought to capitalize on the abundance of beavers and other fur-bearing animals found in the region. The fur trade was highly lucrative in Europe, where furs were in great demand for fashionable clothing and accessories.

French explorers, such as Samuel de Champlain, Jacques Cartier, and fur traders associated with companies like the French North West Company, ventured into the interior of North America in search of new territories and partnerships with indigenous peoples who were skilled hunters and trappers. The French established trading posts and alliances with various Native American tribes to facilitate the fur trade.

Their economic interests in fur trading were the primary driving force behind the French exploration and colonization of North America during the early 17th century. This focus on trade and commerce shaped their relationships with the indigenous populations and the nature of their presence in the region.

The French had a relatively large presence in North America with multiple densely populated settlements.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The French presence in North America was characterized by smaller and scattered settlements compared to some other European powers like the Spanish and English. While the French had a significant impact on the exploration and colonization of North America, their settlements tended to be fewer and more spread out.

The French primarily focused on establishing trading posts and small forts to facilitate their fur trade activities. These posts were strategically located along major waterways, such as the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, to facilitate the transportation of furs and other goods.

One of the most notable French settlements was Quebec, founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Quebec became the capital of New France and played a crucial role as a base for French exploration and trade in the region.

Overall, while the French had an influential presence in North America, it was not characterized by densely populated settlements as seen in some other European colonies like those established by the English along the Atlantic coast.

What was the primary motivating factor for the Dutch in North America?

• Economics

• Exploration

• Conversions of the Native Population

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The primary motivating factor for the Dutch in North America was the pursuit of trade and commerce.

The Dutch West India Company, a prominent trading company in the 17th century, was instrumental in organizing Dutch efforts to explore and establish a presence in North America. Unlike other European powers, the Dutch did not seek significant territorial expansion or large-scale colonization. Instead, they focused on developing a profitable trading network and commercial outposts.

The Dutch were particularly interested in the fur trade, similar to the French. They recognized the economic potential of the vast fur resources found in the region and established trade relationships with Native American tribes to obtain fur pelts. The trading posts and settlements they established, such as New Amsterdam (present-day New York City), served as hubs for commerce and facilitated exchanges with both the indigenous populations and other European traders.

In addition to fur trading, the Dutch engaged in trade of other valuable commodities, including tobacco, timber, and agricultural products. Their emphasis on trade and commerce shaped their approach to colonization, which was more focused on creating profitable business ventures rather than large-scale territorial expansion and domination.

Match the following

• After a brief window of coexistence they looked to expel them from their lands.

• The English approach toward Native population

• Viewed them strictly as economic partners.

• French approach toward Native population

• Forcefully convert them to Christianity

• Spanish approach toward Native population

• Form kinship bonds (understand them and intermarry)

• Dutch approach toward Native population