Pre-Columbian European explorations

Viking Settlements in North America

Viking expedition led by Leif Ericson reaches North America around 1000 AD, establishing scattered settlements from Newfoundland to Virginia.

L'Anse aux Meadows

Viking settlement in Newfoundland excavated in 1960, recognized as a UN World Heritage Site.

Reasons for European Exploration

Motivations include the search for spices, gold, silver, and a new passage to Asia, driven by new shipping technologies and the growth of Portugal and Spain.

Christopher Columbus

Genoese explorer who made four voyages, landing in the Bahamas and Central America, leading to the misnomer "Indians" and the establishment of Columbus Day.

Consequences of Columbus' Voyages

Columbus' expeditions led to the Spanish Empire, encomienda system, introduction of sugar cane, extermination of Caribbean Indians, and the Columbian Exchange.

Amerigo Vespucci

Described the new land in the 1490s, leading to the naming of America in his honor by Martin Waldeseemuller in 1507.

European Explorers of North America

Includes John Cabot, Juan Ponce de León, Giovanni Verrazano, Jacques Cartier, Hernando de Soto, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, Francis Drake, and Henry Hudson.

Spanish Colonies in North America

New Spain included Mexico, California, Southwest, and Florida, characterized by conquest, missionary activities, tribute colonies, and forced assimilation of Indians.

French Colonies in North America

New France encompassed Canada, Mississippi, and Louisiana, known for fur trade, Jesuit priests, alliances with Indians, and mixed marriages with the Metis population.