Settlement of the 13th Colony

The Age of Exploration For centuries, Europeans had traded with Asia through Mediterranean ports and a land route called the Silk Road. Many Europeans believed that Asia’s riches (gold, gems, spices) could be reached by ship. Before these items could be made available to the people, a shorter trade route had to be found.

Columbus -Several explorers searched for trade route to the Far East. -Bartholomew Diaz of Portugal sailed around the southern tip of Africa to get to Asia. -Christopher Columbus, an Italian, believed the earth was round and that he could reach the Far East by sailing west. -For years, Columbus tried to get support from monarchs of France, Portugal, and England. Finally, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain agreed to sponsor him -On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, hoping to reach China. -Ships: Pinta, the Nina, and the Santa Maria.

Columbus -On October 12, 1492, Columbus landed on a Caribbean island he named San Salvador. He believed he landed off the coast of India, and called the gentle natives he met “Indians”. -Columbus made four total trips to the “New World”. -Died believing that he had discovered the route to the Far East’s riches.

Columbus Was Colombus really a hero? Why do we celebrate him? https://www.youtu be.com/watch?v= aF_unlvjccA

Explorers 1497- John Cabot (Italian that sailed for England)- “Re-discovered” Newfoundland in Canada. Leif Ericson and the Norse discovered it in 1001. 1498- Vasco de Gama sailed around Africa to reach India. 1498- Amerigo Vespucci (Italian) sailed along South American coast. His name was given to the New World. 1522- Ferdinand Magellan sailed around the entire world by reaching Asia by sailing west around South America.

Spanish Exploration -Spanish explorers searched the Caribbean for wealth. 1513- Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida (Island of Flowers). Popular Myth: Ponce de Leon was searching for the Fountain of Youth. Ponce de Leon in Atlanta:

Spanish Exploration 1519- Hernando Cortes landed in what is now Mexico -Within two years, he conquered the native Aztecs, killed their ruler, and won a treasure in gold and silver. -Cortes’ secret weapon: Smallpox. -Motivated other explorers to come over for GGG (God, Gold, and Glory)

Spanish Exploration in Georgia 1539- Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto left Havana, Cuba to explore. He moved up Florida and ended up in southwestern Georgia (to look for gold). -Native tribes there saw white men and horses for the first time. -De Soto was greatly outnumbered, but had better weapons (guns, crossbows, etc.) -During his search for gold, De Soto killed thousands of natives through combat and disease. -What impact do you think De Soto left on the natives?

Spanish Missions 1565- Spanish sent Pedro Merendez to begin a colony in St. Augustine, Florida. Colony: A group of people who settle in a new land but keep ties to their homeland. The Spanish moved up the coast and set up missions (religious outposts) all the way to Georgia. The Spanish presence around Georgia would cause major conflicts with other European nations in the future.