European countries began exploring and seeking to dominate the rest of the world during the 15th and 16th centuries. They had an enormous advantage with their ability to control sea routes which led to the discovery of the American continent. By the early 17th century, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands were all fighting for colonies and trades around the world. Explorers, conquerors, missionaries, merchants, and adventurers looked to claim new lands to colonize. Competition for land grabs, settlement, trade, and exploration led the way for the growth of the “New World” domination and made way to the economic system of mercantilism. As the four major European nations settled in these new lands, much was lost on the side of the indigenous
…show more content…
They emerged in the highly profitable fur trade, setting up trading stations in Maine, and regions a bit more West. Samuel de Champlain was a key player and founded the first permanent French settlement in 1608 in Quebec, and established a fur trade with the region’s Native American tribes. By the end of the 17th century the French was in control of the St. Lawrence River, the Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes. It was interesting to read that out of all the European colonial powers, the French had the best relationship with Native Americans. Although it may have seemed like the future was bright for “New France”, situations diminished. According to History.com published in …show more content…
For much of the sixteenth century, England had no real presence in the New World. They were enticed once they saw other European colonists profiting from this New World. The English’s interest was also increased by religious groups, like the Puritans, who saw the New World as a place where they could practice their religion without being persecuted. Although their first efforts to establish in the New World did not end well, the English continued to advance. The battle between the Spanish Armada in 1588 proved to be victorious for the English. With this victory, England began its rise as a premier naval power, which strengthened its colonial efforts, with Spain ultimately falling into a slow decline. However, the English came across some hardships, especially that of the “Starving Time” in Jamestown. As read in the National Humanities Center issued in
They emerged in the highly profitable fur trade, setting up trading stations in Maine, and regions a bit more West. Samuel de Champlain was a key player and founded the first permanent French settlement in 1608 in Quebec, and established a fur trade with the region’s Native American tribes. By the end of the 17th century the French was in control of the St. Lawrence River, the Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes. It was interesting to read that out of all the European colonial powers, the French had the best relationship with Native Americans. Although it may have seemed like the future was bright for “New France”, situations diminished. According to History.com published in …show more content…
For much of the sixteenth century, England had no real presence in the New World. They were enticed once they saw other European colonists profiting from this New World. The English’s interest was also increased by religious groups, like the Puritans, who saw the New World as a place where they could practice their religion without being persecuted. Although their first efforts to establish in the New World did not end well, the English continued to advance. The battle between the Spanish Armada in 1588 proved to be victorious for the English. With this victory, England began its rise as a premier naval power, which strengthened its colonial efforts, with Spain ultimately falling into a slow decline. However, the English came across some hardships, especially that of the “Starving Time” in Jamestown. As read in the National Humanities Center issued in