European Competition in North America Chapter 2, Section 2

Henry Hudson In 1609, Englishman Henry Hudson set sail under Dutch sponsorship to find a water route to China. He arrived at the coast of present day New York, and sailed due north up the Hudson river (which now bears his name). In 1610, Hudson tried again to reach China, but his crew rebelled and sent him adrift and he was never heard from again.

John Cabot In 1497, John Cabot, an Italian sailor was one of the first sailors to chart a northern route across the Atlantic Ocean in search of Asia for the English. He landed in the area of Newfoundland, Canada and claimed it for England. Cabot’s voyages were the basis for future European expeditions.

Giovanni de Verazzano In 1524, Giovanni de Verazzano, an Italian sailing under the French flag sought after an all water route to Asia. Verazzano’s voyage only reached the coastline of North America.

Jacques Cartier France sent Jacques Cartier in 1534 & 1536 to find an all water route to Asia. Cartier found the port of the St. Lawrence river and made his way to present day Montreal. Natural barriers halted his travels and the voyage was ended.

European Competition French and English claims in North America angered Spain, which had claimed land under the Treaty of Tordesillas. Other tensions stemmed from religious conflict in Europe.

Queen Elizabeth I In 1558, Queen Elizabeth I, a protestant, came to the English throne. Elizabeth fought to defend England and to challenge Spain's power at sea. Daring English sailors, known as sea dogs, used small ships to attack the large Spanish ships carrying gold and silver from the New World. In 1577, Sir Francis Drake, an infamous sea dog, traveled around the world for three years raiding Spanish ports and ships. In 1588, the Spanish king sent a large Spanish fleet of ships, known as the Spanish Armada to conquer England and restore Catholicism.

England Defeats Spain The English and Spanish war ships met in the English Channel. The smaller and fast ships of the English were able to sail between the larger Spanish warships firing deadly rounds. The Spanish were forced to retreat. The Spanish navy would never again be as power as it once was.

English victory over Spain 1.) England remained Protestant 2.) They proved they could defend themselves against one of the most powerful countries in the world. 3.) The world saw that Spain could be defeated.

New France is Founded In 1608, French explorer Samuel de Champlain explored the St. Lawrence and founded a fur trading post at Quebec/ This became the first French settlement in Canada. Champlain’s findings opened a future fur trade with the local Natives which provided large amounts of revenue. New France would thrive for 50+ years. 1.) Fur Trading 2.) Catholic priests converting Native Americans.

The Dutch Establish New Netherland The Dutch would build a colony along the Hudson River in present day New York. They constructed Fort Nassau in 1614, near present day Albany, NY. They founded New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. 1626 they purchased Manhattan Island from the Native Americans. (Present day New York City) Like the French, the Dutch thrived off the fur trade with the local Natives.