Key Idea.
Section 1
Europeans Seek Wealth, Power, and New Routes
European nations wanted a faster sea route to Asia to trade for valuable goods like spices. Finding a new route, like the hoped-for Northwest Passage, promised great wealth from trade.
Kings and queens sponsored these risky voyages to gain power for their countries by claiming new lands. They also wanted to spread their religion, Christianity, to new peoples across the world.
Section 2
European Competition in the Americas
Explorers sailed for powerful European nations like Spain, France, and England. When they landed in the Americas, they would plant a flag to claim the territory for their sponsoring king or queen. This act was a powerful symbol that declared the land belonged to their country.
As more explorers arrived, the map of the Americas was carved up. Spain claimed large parts of the south, while France and England focused on the north and the coast. This created competing claims, as different countries wanted control of the continent’s land and riches.
Section 3
Explorers Bring Both Discovery and Destruction
European explorers changed the world with their daring voyages. They created new maps and connected continents, which brought new knowledge and goods to Europe. For these reasons, many people viewed them as heroes.
However, these voyages had a devastating impact on Native Americans. The newcomers fought with native peoples, took their land, and forced them into slavery. They also brought deadly diseases that killed millions. This dual impact—great achievements for some and great suffering for others—is a key part of their story.
Section 4
Voyages Spark a Global Exchange
After Columbus’s voyages, a huge transfer of people, plants, animals, and ideas began between the Americas and the rest of the world. This massive swap is known as the Columbian Exchange.
New foods like potatoes, corn, and chocolate traveled from the Americas to Europe, Africa, and Asia. In the other direction, animals like horses and cattle, and crops like wheat, were brought to the Americas for the first time.
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Section 1
Europeans Seek Wealth, Power, and New Routes
European nations wanted a faster sea route to Asia to trade for valuable goods like spices. Finding a new route, like the hoped-for Northwest Passage, promised great wealth from trade.
Kings and queens sponsored these risky voyages to gain power for their countries by claiming new lands. They also wanted to spread their religion, Christianity, to new peoples across the world.
Section 2
European Competition in the Americas
Explorers sailed for powerful European nations like Spain, France, and England. When they landed in the Americas, they would plant a flag to claim the territory for their sponsoring king or queen. This act was a powerful symbol that declared the land belonged to their country.
As more explorers arrived, the map of the Americas was carved up. Spain claimed large parts of the south, while France and England focused on the north and the coast. This created competing claims, as different countries wanted control of the continent’s land and riches.
Section 3
Explorers Bring Both Discovery and Destruction
European explorers changed the world with their daring voyages. They created new maps and connected continents, which brought new knowledge and goods to Europe. For these reasons, many people viewed them as heroes.
However, these voyages had a devastating impact on Native Americans. The newcomers fought with native peoples, took their land, and forced them into slavery. They also brought deadly diseases that killed millions. This dual impact—great achievements for some and great suffering for others—is a key part of their story.
Section 4
Voyages Spark a Global Exchange
After Columbus’s voyages, a huge transfer of people, plants, animals, and ideas began between the Americas and the rest of the world. This massive swap is known as the Columbian Exchange.
New foods like potatoes, corn, and chocolate traveled from the Americas to Europe, Africa, and Asia. In the other direction, animals like horses and cattle, and crops like wheat, were brought to the Americas for the first time.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter