1. Search for the Northwest Passage Lesson 5

2. What about the rest of Europe? In the 1500s, Spain is the richest nation in Europe. The rest of Europe believes they will become rich if they find the Northwest Passage to Asia. The Northwest Passage is a waterway along the north coast of North America connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

3. Verrazano Leads the Way In 1524 the French king sent an Italian (Giovanni da Verrazano) to find the Northwest Passage. After sailing far and wide, discovering New York Bay, and meeting many natives, he found no such passage.

4. Cartier Moves Inland Jacques Cartier tried to find the Northwest Passage for France ten years after Verrazano. Between 1534-1541, Cartier made many claims for France in the far north (Canada). On these voyages the French became friendly with the Iroquois and traded. After 3 voyages, he never found the passage.

5. Cartier is most famous for discovering the St. Lawrence River in Canada.

6. Henry Hudson Hudson was an English sea captain hired by the Dutch in 1609. They gave Hudson a ship and a crew. After setting sail, Hudson’s crew turned on him. Finally Hudson’s journey led him to present-day Maine where they met natives.

7. He did not find the passage but he discovered a river called “The Hudson River.” (he named it after himself ) In 1610 the English sent him to find the passage. Again his crew turned on him and Hudson was forced onto a small boat and was never seen again….

8. Guess What? The passage doesn’t exist!!! The explorers just didn’t know that….