Exploration of North America

Definition

The exploration of North America refers to a period when European nations began sending explorers to discover unknown lands, resources, and potential colonies in North America during the Age of Discovery.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game like Minecraft or Fortnite where you have an entire map to explore. You don't know what you'll find or who else might be there - that's what it was like for these explorers venturing into North America!

Related terms

Christopher Columbus: An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean opening up widespread European exploration into the Americas.

Colonization: The act by a country or state aimed at establishing control over territories usually inhabited by people foreign to them.

Indigenous Peoples' Day: A holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across United States on second Monday in October.