In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine how the Protestant Reformation created religious and economic tensions among European powers, driving competition for wealth and colonial territory. Students learn how the system of mercantilism motivated nations like Spain to seek overseas colonies, and trace the voyages of John Cabot and Henry Hudson as they searched for a northwest passage around the Americas. The lesson builds skills in identifying implied main ideas while connecting European conflicts to early struggles for control of North America.
Section 1
Religious Conflicts Drive European Competition
The Protestant Reformation sparked religious tensions between European nations, intensifying existing rivalries. Catholic Spain and Protestant England competed for power, ultimately spreading these conflicts to North America.
Section 2
Mercantilism Shapes Colonial Ambitions
European nations established colonies to increase their wealth and power. Under mercantilism, colonies existed primarily to provide resources like gold to the home country, fueling competition for territories in North America.
Section 3
Explorers Search for Northwest Passage
John Cabot, Henry Hudson, and other explorers sought a shorter route to Asia through North America. Despite multiple voyages that mapped significant waterways, they never found the elusive passage through the continent.
Section 4
Spain's Armada Defeat Shifts Colonial Power
England's victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 weakened Spain's naval dominance. This power shift allowed England and France to establish their own colonies in North America, expanding European presence.
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Section 1
Religious Conflicts Drive European Competition
The Protestant Reformation sparked religious tensions between European nations, intensifying existing rivalries. Catholic Spain and Protestant England competed for power, ultimately spreading these conflicts to North America.
Section 2
Mercantilism Shapes Colonial Ambitions
European nations established colonies to increase their wealth and power. Under mercantilism, colonies existed primarily to provide resources like gold to the home country, fueling competition for territories in North America.
Section 3
Explorers Search for Northwest Passage
John Cabot, Henry Hudson, and other explorers sought a shorter route to Asia through North America. Despite multiple voyages that mapped significant waterways, they never found the elusive passage through the continent.
Section 4
Spain's Armada Defeat Shifts Colonial Power
England's victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 weakened Spain's naval dominance. This power shift allowed England and France to establish their own colonies in North America, expanding European presence.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter