1.3 European Exploration in the Americas
3 min read•december 31, 2022
Will Pulgarin
Jillian Holbrook
Will Pulgarin
Jillian Holbrook
Columbus Sails Circa 1492
New ships, such as the , allowed for longer exploratory voyages. Caravels were typically about 50-60 feet long and had a narrow hull with a shallow draft, which made them well-suited for sailing in shallow waters and for navigating in close quarters. They were also equipped with triangular lateen sails, which allowed them to sail close to the wind and make sharp turns—greater maneuverability than previous nautical vessels.
In August of 1492, Columbus used three caravels (, , and ), supplied and funded by the , to set sail toward India. After an arduous voyage, Columbus and his men reached land on October 12, 1492. At dawn, Columbus went ashore and encountered a group of people who called themselves the . He renamed their island and claimed it for Spain.
Columbus observed in his journal:
“They…brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks’ bells. They willingly traded everything they owned…They were well built, with good bodies and handsome features…They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane…They would make fine servants…With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.”
When Columbus returned to Spain, word of his discovery spread through Europe and ignited the .
🎥Watch: AP U.S. History - Columbus & the Legacy of Discovery
1513 Atlantic map from cartographer Martin Waldseemuller. Wikimedia.
The Age of Exploration
Columbus’ voyage pleased the Spanish monarchs, who quickly funded more voyages to the New World. Other European powers quickly set sail across the Atlantic to lay their own claims and explore. Like Columbus, European explorers set sail to the New World in search of gold, to seek glory, or to spread the word of their God to the Native peoples.
(remember: as the influences of exploration) ⛪ 🌟 💸
Notable Explorers
The main explorers during the were:
Date | Explorer | Country they sailed for | Major Achievement |
1000 CE | Norway | First explorer to come ashore in the
| |
1487 | Portugal | First to sail around the , setting up the route from Europe to Asia
| |
1492 | Spain | Landed in the – eventually, this would lead to the discovery of the Americas
| |
1497 | England | Sailed to ; helped lay the groundwork for the later British claim to Canada
| |
1499 | Spain | Explored the coast of ; America was named after Amerigo
| |
1513 | Spain | Discovered ; died looking for the fountain of youth 🤔 | |
1519 | Spain | Reached the southern part of while attempting to circumnavigate the globe
| |
1519 | Spain | Conquered the
| |
1531 | Spain | Conquered the | |
1534 | France | Looked for the ; explored parts of Canada | |
1540 | Francisco Vasquez Coronado | Spain | Explored and led a large expedition from Mexico to present-day Kansas through parts of the southwestern United States
|
1603 | Samuel de Champlain | France | Explored and established the city of Quebec in the northern colony of New France
|
1607 & 1608 | Henry Hudson | England | Discovered the
|
Key Terms to Review (32)
Age of Exploration
: The Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries) was a period when European nations sent out explorers to discover new trade routes, find wealth, and spread Christianity. This led to the discovery of new lands including Americas.Amerigo Vespucci
: An Italian explorer and navigator in the late 15th to early 16th century who is best known for his voyages to the New World, which led to the use of his name for the continents of North and South America.Aztecs in Mexico
: The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. They are known for their advanced civilization, including impressive architecture, complex social structures, and significant contributions to art and science.Bahamas
: The Bahamas is an archipelago and country in the Atlantic Ocean, located southeast of Florida. It was one of the first landfalls for Christopher Columbus in 1492 during his exploration journey.Bartolomeu Dias
: Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer who became the first European mariner to round the southern tip of Africa, opening the way for a sea route from Europe to Asia.Caravel
: A caravel is a small, fast Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship from the 15th–17th centuries. They were primarily used for oceanic exploration voyages during these periods.Chesapeake Bay
: The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, located between Maryland and Virginia. It played a significant role in early American history as a vital waterway for trade and settlement.Christopher Columbus
: An Italian explorer sponsored by Spain who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening up widespread European exploration and eventual conquest of Americas.Columbus Sails Circa 1492
: This refers to the voyage of Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, who set sail in 1492 under the sponsorship of Spain. His journey led to the discovery of America by Europeans.Ferdinand Magellan
: A Portuguese explorer who organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, resulting in the first circumnavigation of the Earth.Florida
: Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, known for its warm climate and extensive coastline.Francisco Pizarro
: Francisco Pizarro was another Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that conquered the Inca Empire. He captured and killed Incan emperor Atahualpa, claiming much of South America for Spain.God, Glory, Gold
: These are often referred to as three main motivations for European exploration during the Age of Discovery. "God" refers to spreading Christianity; "Glory" refers to personal fame and national prestige; "Gold" refers to wealth through trade and conquests.Hernan Cortez
: Hernan Cortez was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.Hudson River and Hudson Bay
: The Hudson River is a waterway that flows from north to south through eastern New York State. The river is named after Henry Hudson who explored it in 1609. On another voyage for Dutch East India Company he discovered what would be named Hudson Bay - large body of saltwater located northeast Canada.Incas in Peru
: The Inca Empire was a pre-Columbian civilization located in what is now Peru from around 1400 to 1533 AD. Known for their vast empire along South America's Andean mountain range, they developed sophisticated agricultural techniques and architectural feats like Machu Picchu.Jacques Cartier
: Jacques Cartier was a French explorer who claimed what is now Canada for France. He was the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River.John Cabot
: John Cabot was an Italian navigator and explorer who is credited with discovering parts of North America under the commission of Henry VII of England. His 1497 voyage to the coast of Newfoundland laid the groundwork for future British claims to Canada.Juan Ponce de Leon
: A Spanish explorer and conquistador known for leading the first official European expedition to Florida, where he is associated with searching for 'the Fountain of Youth.'La Niña
: La Niña is a climate pattern that describes cooler than normal ocean surface temperatures in the Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean, regions close to the equator off the west coast of South America.La Pinta
: La Pinta was one of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. Its name translates to "The Painted One" or "Spotted One."Leif Ericson
: Leif Ericson was a Norse explorer from Iceland who is believed to be the first European to have set foot on continental North America, specifically in what is now Newfoundland in Canada, before Christopher Columbus.Martin Waldseemuller
: Martin Waldseemuller was a German cartographer in the 16th century who is best known for creating a world map that included the first use of the term "America" to refer to the New World.New England Area
: The New England area refers to the northeastern region of the United States, comprising six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This region played a significant role in early American history as it was one of the first areas colonized by English settlers.Northwest Passage
: The Northwest Passage is a sea route connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean. European explorers sought this passage as a shorter trade route to Asia, but it remained largely impassable until the 20th century due to ice.Quebec in New France
: Quebec was the first permanent French settlement in North America, established by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. It served as the capital of New France, a vast territory controlled by France from the 16th to 18th centuries.San Salvador
: San Salvador is an island in present-day Bahamas where Christopher Columbus first landed during his voyage in 1492. It was originally named Guanahani by its native inhabitants but renamed by Columbus.Santa María
: The Santa María was the largest of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first voyage. This ship served as Columbus's flagship—his main vessel—on this expedition.South America
: South America is a continent in the Western Hemisphere, primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It's known for its diverse cultures, geography, and history that includes ancient civilizations like the Inca.Southernmost Tip of Africa
: The southernmost tip of Africa is known as Cape Agulhas. It is geographically significant because it marks the official dividing point between Atlantic and Indian Oceans.Spanish Crown
: The Spanish Crown refers to monarchy established by Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II that ruled over Spain during its period of colonial expansion in America and Asia.Taino
: The Taino were a group of indigenous people who lived in the Caribbean and Florida before the arrival of Europeans. They are known for their advanced agricultural practices and complex social structures.1.3 European Exploration in the Americas
3 min read•december 31, 2022
Will Pulgarin
Jillian Holbrook
Will Pulgarin
Jillian Holbrook
Columbus Sails Circa 1492
New ships, such as the , allowed for longer exploratory voyages. Caravels were typically about 50-60 feet long and had a narrow hull with a shallow draft, which made them well-suited for sailing in shallow waters and for navigating in close quarters. They were also equipped with triangular lateen sails, which allowed them to sail close to the wind and make sharp turns—greater maneuverability than previous nautical vessels.
In August of 1492, Columbus used three caravels (, , and ), supplied and funded by the , to set sail toward India. After an arduous voyage, Columbus and his men reached land on October 12, 1492. At dawn, Columbus went ashore and encountered a group of people who called themselves the . He renamed their island and claimed it for Spain.
Columbus observed in his journal:
“They…brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks’ bells. They willingly traded everything they owned…They were well built, with good bodies and handsome features…They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane…They would make fine servants…With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.”
When Columbus returned to Spain, word of his discovery spread through Europe and ignited the .
🎥Watch: AP U.S. History - Columbus & the Legacy of Discovery
1513 Atlantic map from cartographer Martin Waldseemuller. Wikimedia.
The Age of Exploration
Columbus’ voyage pleased the Spanish monarchs, who quickly funded more voyages to the New World. Other European powers quickly set sail across the Atlantic to lay their own claims and explore. Like Columbus, European explorers set sail to the New World in search of gold, to seek glory, or to spread the word of their God to the Native peoples.
(remember: as the influences of exploration) ⛪ 🌟 💸
Notable Explorers
The main explorers during the were:
Date | Explorer | Country they sailed for | Major Achievement |
1000 CE | Norway | First explorer to come ashore in the
| |
1487 | Portugal | First to sail around the , setting up the route from Europe to Asia
| |
1492 | Spain | Landed in the – eventually, this would lead to the discovery of the Americas
| |
1497 | England | Sailed to ; helped lay the groundwork for the later British claim to Canada
| |
1499 | Spain | Explored the coast of ; America was named after Amerigo
| |
1513 | Spain | Discovered ; died looking for the fountain of youth 🤔 | |
1519 | Spain | Reached the southern part of while attempting to circumnavigate the globe
| |
1519 | Spain | Conquered the
| |
1531 | Spain | Conquered the | |
1534 | France | Looked for the ; explored parts of Canada | |
1540 | Francisco Vasquez Coronado | Spain | Explored and led a large expedition from Mexico to present-day Kansas through parts of the southwestern United States
|
1603 | Samuel de Champlain | France | Explored and established the city of Quebec in the northern colony of New France
|
1607 & 1608 | Henry Hudson | England | Discovered the
|
Key Terms to Review (32)
Age of Exploration
: The Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries) was a period when European nations sent out explorers to discover new trade routes, find wealth, and spread Christianity. This led to the discovery of new lands including Americas.Amerigo Vespucci
: An Italian explorer and navigator in the late 15th to early 16th century who is best known for his voyages to the New World, which led to the use of his name for the continents of North and South America.Aztecs in Mexico
: The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. They are known for their advanced civilization, including impressive architecture, complex social structures, and significant contributions to art and science.Bahamas
: The Bahamas is an archipelago and country in the Atlantic Ocean, located southeast of Florida. It was one of the first landfalls for Christopher Columbus in 1492 during his exploration journey.Bartolomeu Dias
: Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer who became the first European mariner to round the southern tip of Africa, opening the way for a sea route from Europe to Asia.Caravel
: A caravel is a small, fast Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship from the 15th–17th centuries. They were primarily used for oceanic exploration voyages during these periods.Chesapeake Bay
: The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, located between Maryland and Virginia. It played a significant role in early American history as a vital waterway for trade and settlement.Christopher Columbus
: An Italian explorer sponsored by Spain who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening up widespread European exploration and eventual conquest of Americas.Columbus Sails Circa 1492
: This refers to the voyage of Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, who set sail in 1492 under the sponsorship of Spain. His journey led to the discovery of America by Europeans.Ferdinand Magellan
: A Portuguese explorer who organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, resulting in the first circumnavigation of the Earth.Florida
: Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, known for its warm climate and extensive coastline.Francisco Pizarro
: Francisco Pizarro was another Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that conquered the Inca Empire. He captured and killed Incan emperor Atahualpa, claiming much of South America for Spain.God, Glory, Gold
: These are often referred to as three main motivations for European exploration during the Age of Discovery. "God" refers to spreading Christianity; "Glory" refers to personal fame and national prestige; "Gold" refers to wealth through trade and conquests.Hernan Cortez
: Hernan Cortez was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.Hudson River and Hudson Bay
: The Hudson River is a waterway that flows from north to south through eastern New York State. The river is named after Henry Hudson who explored it in 1609. On another voyage for Dutch East India Company he discovered what would be named Hudson Bay - large body of saltwater located northeast Canada.Incas in Peru
: The Inca Empire was a pre-Columbian civilization located in what is now Peru from around 1400 to 1533 AD. Known for their vast empire along South America's Andean mountain range, they developed sophisticated agricultural techniques and architectural feats like Machu Picchu.Jacques Cartier
: Jacques Cartier was a French explorer who claimed what is now Canada for France. He was the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River.John Cabot
: John Cabot was an Italian navigator and explorer who is credited with discovering parts of North America under the commission of Henry VII of England. His 1497 voyage to the coast of Newfoundland laid the groundwork for future British claims to Canada.Juan Ponce de Leon
: A Spanish explorer and conquistador known for leading the first official European expedition to Florida, where he is associated with searching for 'the Fountain of Youth.'La Niña
: La Niña is a climate pattern that describes cooler than normal ocean surface temperatures in the Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean, regions close to the equator off the west coast of South America.La Pinta
: La Pinta was one of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. Its name translates to "The Painted One" or "Spotted One."Leif Ericson
: Leif Ericson was a Norse explorer from Iceland who is believed to be the first European to have set foot on continental North America, specifically in what is now Newfoundland in Canada, before Christopher Columbus.Martin Waldseemuller
: Martin Waldseemuller was a German cartographer in the 16th century who is best known for creating a world map that included the first use of the term "America" to refer to the New World.New England Area
: The New England area refers to the northeastern region of the United States, comprising six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This region played a significant role in early American history as it was one of the first areas colonized by English settlers.Northwest Passage
: The Northwest Passage is a sea route connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean. European explorers sought this passage as a shorter trade route to Asia, but it remained largely impassable until the 20th century due to ice.Quebec in New France
: Quebec was the first permanent French settlement in North America, established by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. It served as the capital of New France, a vast territory controlled by France from the 16th to 18th centuries.San Salvador
: San Salvador is an island in present-day Bahamas where Christopher Columbus first landed during his voyage in 1492. It was originally named Guanahani by its native inhabitants but renamed by Columbus.Santa María
: The Santa María was the largest of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first voyage. This ship served as Columbus's flagship—his main vessel—on this expedition.South America
: South America is a continent in the Western Hemisphere, primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It's known for its diverse cultures, geography, and history that includes ancient civilizations like the Inca.Southernmost Tip of Africa
: The southernmost tip of Africa is known as Cape Agulhas. It is geographically significant because it marks the official dividing point between Atlantic and Indian Oceans.Spanish Crown
: The Spanish Crown refers to monarchy established by Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II that ruled over Spain during its period of colonial expansion in America and Asia.Taino
: The Taino were a group of indigenous people who lived in the Caribbean and Florida before the arrival of Europeans. They are known for their advanced agricultural practices and complex social structures.
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