In this Grade 5 Social Studies lesson from Chapter 2: Age of Exploration, students learn to define the Northwest Passage and trace the expeditions of French explorers Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain alongside Henry Hudson's voyages for both the Dutch and English. Students also examine the economic significance of the fur trade and beaver pelts in driving European exploration of North America.
Section 1
The Search for the Northwest Passage
While Spain controlled the south, nations like France, England, and the Netherlands looked for a northern route to Asia. They hoped to find the Northwest Passage, a legendary water route through the North American continent.
Explorers like Henry Hudson, sailing for both the Dutch and English, mapped the Hudson River and Hudson Bay.
Although the passage didn't exist, these voyages established claims for future colonies.
Section 2
New France and the Fur Trade
French explorers like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain explored the St. Lawrence River and founded Quebec.
Unlike the Spanish who sought gold, the French found wealth in the Fur Trade. They built a cooperative relationship with Native American tribes, trading metal tools and cloth for valuable beaver pelts, which were in high demand in Europe for making hats.
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Section 1
The Search for the Northwest Passage
While Spain controlled the south, nations like France, England, and the Netherlands looked for a northern route to Asia. They hoped to find the Northwest Passage, a legendary water route through the North American continent.
Explorers like Henry Hudson, sailing for both the Dutch and English, mapped the Hudson River and Hudson Bay.
Although the passage didn't exist, these voyages established claims for future colonies.
Section 2
New France and the Fur Trade
French explorers like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain explored the St. Lawrence River and founded Quebec.
Unlike the Spanish who sought gold, the French found wealth in the Fur Trade. They built a cooperative relationship with Native American tribes, trading metal tools and cloth for valuable beaver pelts, which were in high demand in Europe for making hats.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter