Centuries ago, the exploration and colonization of new lands were a way for countries to extend their political powers. The ocean journey from England, France, or Spain to North America was 3000 miles of unknown dangers, but it led to potential discovery. The journeys began in 1020. Three reasons to make the voyages were religion, wealth, and competition. Why Be an Explorer?

Each man who made the journey had a reason to explore. A common reason was their enjoyment of adventure. Discovering the unknown can be exciting. Others were scientists who enjoyed charting and drawing maps. In order to expand their study, they needed to journey abroad. A few travelers sought riches, like gold and spices, for financial gain. Also, missionaries hoped to share their beliefs by providing medical care and life skills. Their goal was to aid the Native Americans, who the Europeans perceived as uneducated. There were numerous reasons to explore the new lands. There seemed to be numerous regions to explore.

Who Were the Explorers?

Leif Erikson: Historical records indicate that Leif Eriksson, a Viking explorer, was the first man to reach North America. Leif is credited with landing along the coastline of present-day Newfoundland. This happened about 500 years before the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus started his voyage. A Viking settlement was established and occupied for several years before Erikson left to return to his homeland.

Christopher Columbus: Christopher Columbus left his homeland in 1492 to seek wealth in the form of trade items. He was destined for China but erred in direction and arrived on Watling's Island in the Bahamas. It was a long and dangerous journey. His crew was on the verge of mutiny, so the sighting of land was a positive thing. Upon arrival, Columbus dedicated the newly discovered land to the King and Queen of Aragon. Columbus made three more voyages to North America. To the very end, Christopher Columbus was adamant that he discovered a trade route to China. He denied ever being to North America.

Pizarro and Cortes: Spanish explorers Francisco Pizarro and Hernan Cortes made treks to different American regions at different times. Both sought gold and wealth. Pizarro landed among the Incas in the Andes Mountains. Cortes entered Aztec territory in Mexico. The Incan and Aztecan populations were both well established. Both cultures were rich in gold and art, but neither population embraced the arrival of the explorers. In fact, both Spanish teams made a hasty retreat, fearing for their lives.

Sir Walter Raleigh: Sir Walter Raleigh was a soldier, writer, and friend of the Queen of England. Around 1587, he sent English colonists to a region later called Virginia. Since the people arrived together, their previous lifestyle and beliefs were transplanted to the New World.

De Soto and de La Salle: Both of these explorers navigated sections of the Mississippi. De Soto was Spanish. His focus was in the southeastern part of the New World. Rene Robert de La Salle was French. Historical data credits de La Salle as being the first explorer to traverse the Mississippi to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed the land that bordered the Mississippi River (about a third of present-day United States) for France. The land would be colonized, and de La Salle made attempts to do so. He encountered difficulties such as dangerous rocks, pirates, and miscalculations while navigating. Eventually, he built numerous forts along the route, but the settlers were often terrorized by the natives. The settlers also suffered from disease and a lack of food.

Juan Ponce de Leon: Credited with sailing around the southern tip of Florida, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon had several adventures in the New World. He was part of a journey made by Christopher Columbus in 1493 to Jamaica and Haiti. In 1508, he built the first settlement in Puerto Rico. His journey around Florida occurred in 1513. At the time, he thought Florida was an island. When he returned to Florida in 1521, he was wounded by a poisoned arrow, which ultimately ended his life.

What Did They Accomplish?

The multiple brave men who sailed across the ocean to the New World accomplished a great deal. Despite pirates, natural disasters, and sickness, new settlements and regions were established. Several explorers made more than one trip. A few found riches and prosperity. Mostly though, they colonized a new land. As the rules changed in each home country, and the new settlements organized, ownerships changed. Land along the Mississippi that was once owned by France was ultimately purchased by the U. S. The Spanish explorers wanted to introduce Christianity to the world. That happened, to a degree.

Today's North America has roots in the past. The various explorers from England, France, and Spain have left their legacy. There is religious diversity, a wealth of natural resources, and people enjoy independent

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