Exploring the Motivations Behind European Colonization

Why did European kings want to explore and colonize new lands?

• To escape from Europe

• To gain more money and land

• To find new friends

• To learn new languages

Which explorer is credited with discovering America in 1492?

• Ferdinand Magellan

• John Cabot

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco da Gama

Which European nation had the largest army and navy during the colonization period?

• Spain

• England

• France

• Portugal

What was the primary focus of the French in North America?

• Trading fur

• Converting natives to Catholicism

• Mining gold

• Building cities

What was Spain's main goal in the New World?

• Building large cities

• Trading fur

• Converting natives to Catholicism

• Establishing democratic governments

Which area did England claim in the New World?

• Atlantic coast

• Canada

• South America

• Central North America

Why did the French focus on the fur trade instead of building cities?

• They were afraid of the natives

• It was too cold and difficult to bring settlers

• They lacked the resources

• They had no interest in cities

What were the three main motivations for explorers and colonists coming to the New World?

• Gold, God, and Glory

• Land, Power, and Respect

• Trade, Religion, and Exploration

• Adventure, Freedom, and Wealth

Why did the English colonists seek religious freedom in the New World?

• They were escaping persecution from the King of England

• They were following orders from the Pope

• They wanted to establish a new religion

• They wanted to convert natives

How did the colonization efforts of England on the Atlantic coast impact the future United States?

• It led to the establishment of the original thirteen colonies

• It caused conflicts with Spain

• It resulted in the discovery of gold

• It created a new language