European colonization

Viking Settlements in North America

Leif Ericson led a Viking expedition from Greenland to North America around 1000 AD, establishing scattered settlements like Helluland, Markland, and Vinland.

European Exploration Motives

European exploration in the 15th century was driven by the search for spices, gold, silver, and a new passage to Asia, facilitated by new shipping technologies and the growth of Portugal and Spain.

Christopher Columbus

Columbus, in service of Spain, made four voyages to the Americas, aiming to reach the Indies, leading to the misnomer "Indians" for Native Americans and the celebration of Columbus Day.

Consequences of Columbus' Voyages

Columbus' voyages led to the Spanish Empire, encomienda system, sugar plantations, slave trade, and the Columbian Exchange between the Old and New Worlds.

Naming of America

Amerigo Vespucci's descriptions led to the naming of America in 1507 by Martin Waldeseemuller, later applied to both continents by Gerardus Mercator in 1541.

European Explorers in North America

Explorers like John Cabot, Juan Ponce de León, Giovanni Verrazano, Jacques Cartier, and others explored and claimed territories in North America for England, Spain, France, and the Netherlands.

Spanish Colonies in North America

Spanish colonies like New Spain had characteristics of conquest, missionary activities, tribute colonies, and the forced assimilation of Indians, impacting linguistics and creating a mixed-blood population.

French Colonies in North America

French colonies like New France focused on fur trade, sparse settlements, and alliances with Native Americans, leading to mixed marriages and the use of native languages in conversion efforts.