Summary-
The story of North American exploration spans an entire millennium and involves a wide array of European powers and uniquely American characters. It began with the Vikings’ brief stint in Newfoundland circa 1000 A.D. and continued through England’s colonization of the Atlantic coast in the 17th century, which laid the foundation for the United States of America. The centuries following the European arrivals would see the culmination of this effort, as Americans pushed westward across the continent, enticed by the lure of riches, open land and a desire to fufill the nation’s manifest destiny.
The story of North American exploration spans an entire millennium and involves a wide array of European powers and uniquely American characters. It began with the Vikings’ brief stint in Newfoundland circa 1000 A.D. and continued through England’s colonization of the Atlantic coast in the 17th century, which laid the foundation for the United States of America. The centuries following the European arrivals would see the culmination of this effort, as Americans pushed westward across the continent, enticed by the lure of riches, open land and a desire to fufill the nation’s manifest destiny.
Standard 2: North America, originally inhabited by American Indians, was explored and colonized by Europeans for economic and religious reasons.
Standard 3: Competition for control of territory and resources in North America led to conflicts among colonizing powers
There were many different American Indian cultures inhabiting North America prior to the arrival of Europeans. In
grade five, students learned about the unique characteristics of their cultures.
Economic reasons behind the European exploration of North America include the pursuit for new trade routes to Asia, the quest for new opportunities and the search for resources (e.g., gold, silver). The Europeans found goods that had a market in Europe (e.g., food, timber, fur, tobacco).
The religious reasons for Europeans coming to North America include escaping religious persecution, creating a religious utopia and converting American Indians to Christianity.
Standard 3: Competition for control of territory and resources in North America led to conflicts among colonizing powers
There were many different American Indian cultures inhabiting North America prior to the arrival of Europeans. In
grade five, students learned about the unique characteristics of their cultures.
Economic reasons behind the European exploration of North America include the pursuit for new trade routes to Asia, the quest for new opportunities and the search for resources (e.g., gold, silver). The Europeans found goods that had a market in Europe (e.g., food, timber, fur, tobacco).
The religious reasons for Europeans coming to North America include escaping religious persecution, creating a religious utopia and converting American Indians to Christianity.