European Explorers - Age of Exploration

Study Guide - Mrs. Roberts

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus

Discovered the “New World”
(Sailed for Spain)

Vasco Nunez de Balboa

First to see the Pacific Ocean
(Sailed for Spain)

Hernando de Soto

Discovered the Mississippi River
(Sailed for Spain)

Jacques de Soto

Discovered the St. Lawrence River
(Sailed for France)

John Cabot

Found rich fishing area in Canada
(Sailed for England)

Henry Hudson

Sailed up what is now called the Hudson River
(Sailed for England/Netherlands)

Name 5 Obstacles Europeans Explorers Face

1. No maps

2. Uncharted waters

3. Frightened crew members

4. Fighting with Native Americans

5. Death

Main Reasons People Explored

1. To find and claim new land or passages

2. To find gold or other resources

3. To spread religion

4. To gain power

Why were Native Americans considered an obstacle for some explorers?

Native Americans were upset that explorers were trying to take their land, so they often fought them.

How were Native Americans and explorers able to work together?

1. Sharing their resources

2. Trading goods

3. Teaching each other how to communicate