1. European Exploration of North America All Countries came to compete with one another.

2. The English The English explored North America for these reasons: –In search of sources of wealth (gold) –Convert Native Americans to Christianity –Claim land for England England saw the North American natural resources as means for gaining wealth and international stature. Explorers risked their lives for fame, curiosity, and pride for their nation. Explorers risked their lives for fame, curiosity, and pride for their nation. The English Colonial Era will start in 1607 with the first permanent settlement at Jamestown. This success will lead to the founding of 13 colonies in America.

3. The French The French explored North America for these reasons: –In search of a water route through the New World known as the Northwest Passage (all three European countries were in search of a faster, cheaper trade route to Asia) –A source of wealth through fur trade with the Native Americans –To convert Native Americans to Christianity They explored Canada, the Louisiana Territory, and islands within the Caribbean; they eventually set up forts and settlements.

4. The Spanish The Spanish explored the North American continent for 3 main reasons. –To find riches (Gold) –To spread religion, or Christianity (God) –To expand their empire (Glory) They explored and eventually settled land in present-day Florida, Southwest United States, Mexico, and the islands in the Caribbean.

5. The Netherlands (Dutch) Trade with Native Americans