Explorers of the New World

Who were the Conquistadors? Brave and cruel, looking for riches and glory for Spain!

First contact made by Christopher Columbus in 1492 Columbus was seeking a shorter distance to Asia, hoping to improve trade routes The land he found turned out to be unexplored (The Americas). (EXAMINE WORLD MAP) Gave Spain the first colonies in the New World The world map changes with the discovery.

Lets see what Tim and Moby have to say about Columbus! Brain pops are a great way to review and introduce concepts! Brain pops are a great way to review and introduce concepts!

How is the map different/similar to today?

Columbus’ treatment of natives Natives were treated horribly, enslaved, beaten, tortured, stolen from.

Spain became rich from its colonies! Gold was found in much of Central/South America. Spain became a world power.

Hernando De Soto explores North America

De Soto travels through Florida, Georgia, and much of the Southeast Discovers the Mississippi River, first European in Georgia.

Lets see who Hernando de Soto was! De Soto video clip (3 mins)

Spain sets up along the coast of Georgia! Several settlements are placed on the Barrier Islands.

Other nations start to explore the New World as well! France – Explored much of present day Canada, also islands in the Carribean. France was interested in the fur trade in Canada.

England wants a part of the New World also! Henry Hudson explores much of the coast of North America, including the Hudson River area. England initially tries to find gold, but winds up realizing that growing tobacco will result in riches. Jamestown is the first English colony in North America, in 1607.

Jamestown

Who explored the New World - History Channel