Document Based Question 1
The colonization of North America was a major turning point in the history of the world, and one that will never be forgotten. Many Europeans sailed to the New World to establish new settlements in the Americas, in order for economic gain for themselves as well as their home nations. Although some will argue that the colonization of North America during the 17th century was based on religion, it was truly facilitated by greed and a desire for riches. The major reason for colonization was weath for the mother countries. The Spanish, English and French competed to first claim the land, and then began to settle it through the use of royal charters. The resources of the land were of great importance to the Europeans, especially gold, fur and tobacco. The Spanish focused on gold, and Christopher Columbus, in his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella explains that “all the gold brought in… that the portion which belongs to your Highness.” (Document 1) The Spanish were convinced that America was full of vast wealth and riches, and that was their primary reason …show more content…
By converting the natives, the Europeans opened up trade agreements as well as land reforms. Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, described his first contact with the indians, explained how as soon as the French had reached the New World called the natives “wild men,”(Document 2) and to remedy this, they attempted to press their religion, Catholicism onto them. An image, in Document 4, depicts a scene where the natives appear to be praying on their knees at a bounty of food and gifts. Salesmen, whose purpose is first and foremost to make a profit, first entice with small gifts, and then proceed to take their money. This is exactly what happened with the natives. first, the Europeans appeared peaceful and kind, providing them with food and gifts, but it was really just a ploy to gain their trust and open up
The colonization of North America was a major turning point in the history of the world, and one that will never be forgotten. Many Europeans sailed to the New World to establish new settlements in the Americas, in order for economic gain for themselves as well as their home nations. Although some will argue that the colonization of North America during the 17th century was based on religion, it was truly facilitated by greed and a desire for riches. The major reason for colonization was weath for the mother countries. The Spanish, English and French competed to first claim the land, and then began to settle it through the use of royal charters. The resources of the land were of great importance to the Europeans, especially gold, fur and tobacco. The Spanish focused on gold, and Christopher Columbus, in his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella explains that “all the gold brought in… that the portion which belongs to your Highness.” (Document 1) The Spanish were convinced that America was full of vast wealth and riches, and that was their primary reason …show more content…
By converting the natives, the Europeans opened up trade agreements as well as land reforms. Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, described his first contact with the indians, explained how as soon as the French had reached the New World called the natives “wild men,”(Document 2) and to remedy this, they attempted to press their religion, Catholicism onto them. An image, in Document 4, depicts a scene where the natives appear to be praying on their knees at a bounty of food and gifts. Salesmen, whose purpose is first and foremost to make a profit, first entice with small gifts, and then proceed to take their money. This is exactly what happened with the natives. first, the Europeans appeared peaceful and kind, providing them with food and gifts, but it was really just a ploy to gain their trust and open up