Download Chapter 2 Study Guide: European Exploration of the Americas (1492

Chapter 2 Study Guide: European Exploration of the Americas (1492-1700)
This chapter discusses the competition among European countries for control of the Americas
from 1492-1700. It also describes the conquest of many Native American groups, the culture of
Spanish colonies, and the origins of slavery in the Americas.
Section 1: Spain Claims an Empire
Spain and Portugal argue over the Line of Demarcation. The Treaty of Tordesillas decides
Portugal gets most of eastern South America – present day Brazil. Spain becomes the most
powerful country.
European countries had 3 main goals during the age of exploration: (Gold, Glory, and God)
1. Spread Christianity beyond Europe (Missionaries were sent to convert Natives.)
2. Wanted to expand their empires
3. Wanted to become rich
Mercantilism is an economic system, which describes how Europeans enriched their
treasuries. Colonies helped them to do this. The colonies’ provided good or markets for the
country. They tried to ensure that their imports did not exceed their exports and there was a
favorable balance of trade.
After Columbus’s first voyage there were many explorers to follow.
Amerigo Vespucci – an Italian, who realized that he did not reach Asia but a new continent and
had it named after him by a German mapmaker – America.
Vasco Nunez de Balboa – a Spaniard claimed the Pacific Ocean for Spain.
Ferdinand Magellan – a Portuguese sailor, is credited as the first to sail around the world in
1522.
2 Famous Spanish Conquistadors:
Hernando Cortes – conquers Aztec empire in Mexico. Defeats Aztecs in 1519.
Francisco Pizarro – conquers Incas in Peru and defeats Incan empire in 1531.
4 Reasons for Spanish Victories:
1. Spread of European diseases kills million of Native Americans
2. Spanish excellent soldiers and have superior weapons
3. Spain made alliances with Native Americans who were enemies of Aztecs and Incas
4. Spanish conquistadors acted brutally toward the Native Americans under their control
Spain then began to explore other parts of North and South America.
Hernando de Soto set out for Florida.
Francisco de Coronado traveled through South Western USA.
Section 2: European Competition in North America
Europeans searching for a water route through North America to Asia – The Northwest
Passage. Many expeditions but all failed. John Cabot, Jacquire Cartier and Giovanni Verrazano
did not find a Northwest Passage; they found land around present day Canada.
French and English lay claims to land in Americas and angers Spain. Spain responds to the
competition and clashes with England.
The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 has two important effects:
1. England remains independent and Protestant.
2. Spain’s image suffers. The world saw that Spain could be beaten and other nations joined
England in challenging Spain.
France and the Netherlands seek wealth through the fur trade in North America.
Samuel de Champlain – explored the St. Lawrence River and started a fur trading post at
Quebec. This colony was called New France.
Dutch built colony New Netherland located along Hudson River. In 1626 Dutch bought
Manhattan Island from Native Americans and founded colony New Amsterdam.