EXPLORATIONEstablishing Colonies in the New World.

European Exploration

From the 1400s to the 1600s the European nations of Portugal, Spain, France, England, and the Dutch, set out to gain control of trade with Asia and claim territory in the New World.

These nations sought economic and physical control in the first imperialistic age. The push for gold, glory, and God permanently changed the history of Africa and the Americas and set the stage for the beginning of American history.

The Main PlayersPortugal

Prince Henry the Navigator wanted to improve Portugal’s Navy . He brought together mapmakers, scientists, ship builders and sailors allowing Portugal to take the lead in exploration .

SpainFerdinand and Isabella followed the inspiration of Portugal to gain control of the Asian spice trade.

England1600s—finally experiencing some domestic stability, the English pushed to catch up to other European countries in the New World to gain profit, land, and religious freedom.

FranceCompeted with England for land in Europe. Encouraged French trade companies to establish dominance in the New World and oversea colonies.

Controlled the East Coast of South America (modern day

Brazil

Controlled fur trade from Quebec to Louisiana in

modern day US and Canada.

Conquered the Aztecs and Incas in Central and South

America

Gained control of the East Coast of the modern day United States establishing

permanent colonies.

European Map 1500 ad

The Age of Exploration

Establishing Colonies in the New World Exploration began in the late 1400s. By 1700, England and France controlled most of the modern day United States. These two coutries, along with Spain, would complete for territory and dominance in the US. While England held the least amount of land, their influence and control would prove permanent.

Works SitedSlide 6: European Map

http://www.euratlas.net/history/europe/1500/index.html

Slide 7: The Age of Exploration Map http://www.docstoc.com/docs/22460497/European-Exploration-of-the-Americas-1492%E2%80%931682

Slide 8: North America 1700 Map http://www.pccd.hu/hefop51/?num=1&ch=A&code=A.3.1)