European Explorers

Who was Christopher Columbus?

He was an Italian explorer who sailed for Spain and is known for his 1492 voyage that led to European discovery of the Americas.

What were three main reasons European explorers embarked on journeys?

They sought new trade routes, new lands (to claim for their countries), and valuable resources like gold and spices. This is often called "God, Gold, and Glory."

What is an "explorer"?

A person who travels to places unknown to them to discover new things or areas.

Who was Hernando de Soto?

A Spanish explorer who led the first large European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States, including parts of Georgia, in the 1500s.

What major challenges did explorers face during their voyages?

They faced dangerous weather, limited food and water, diseases, and unknown territories and people.

What is an "expedition"?

A journey or voyage undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, such as exploration or scientific research.

How did European explorers impact the Native American populations?

They introduced new goods and ideas, but also brought diseases that Native Americans had no immunity to, leading to many deaths, and often claimed Native American lands.

What navigation tools did explorers use to find their way?

They used tools like the compass (to find direction), astrolabe (to measure star positions), and early maps.

What is a "colony"?

A settlement of people living in a new territory, controlled by a country far away.

Which European countries sponsored many early explorations to the Americas?

Spain, Portugal, England (Britain), and France were among the main European countries that funded exploration.