OTHER EUROPEAN EXPLORERS - 06/13/25

British Exploration

Britain started sending explorers in the 1500s, inspired by Spain and Portugal

John Cabot

First British explorer to reach the Americas; looked for a shortcut to Asia (Northeast Passage)

Francis Drake

British explorer; second person to sail all the way around the world

Henry Hudson

Explored for both the Netherlands and Britain; explored parts of Canada and New York

French Exploration

Focused more on trade and religion than building large colonies

Jacques Cartier

Explored the Saint Lawrence River in Canada and met many Native tribes

French Fur Trade

The French built trading posts in Canada to trade fur with Native Americans

France’s Goal

France wanted to spread Christianity more than expand territory

Northeast Passage

A hoped

Europe's Competition

Countries raced to explore for trade, power, and religious influence