How Successful Was Henry Hudson?

Born in the sixteenth century, Henry Hudson may have just delivered a great impact to the present. His voyages may have been disastrous, but overall, this explorer had great determinations. Attempting to reach his ambitions of finding a northern route to Asia, it seems that Hudson faced many obstacles in the way. However, all four of his voyages were enough to prove that Hudson was indeed worthy to be named after the “Hudson Bay.” Born in England at approximately September 12, 1570, Henry Hudson’s early life helped him train to become one of the world’s most famous explorers. Although little is known about his life, reports say that Hudson was taught about the life of seafaring by fishermen or sailors. Later, he most likely have practiced …show more content…
He had the idea of sailing northwest instead of northeast. Since North America hadn’t been mapped completely, explorers longed to believe that there was indeed a fictitious waterway in the northwest that led directly to Asia. It was called the “Northwest Passage.” Hudson’s new ambition was to become the first explorer to find this passage.
Leading his crew into the American coast, he discovered a river, known as the Mahicannituck River. Today, it’s called the Hudson Bay. Henry Hudson, confident that he found the way, could not continue the voyage because the water grew too shallow. Sailing back to Europe, he was offered gold by King James I to leave the Dutch East India Company and find the Northwest Passage for England. Agreeing to the offer, he set out for his fourth and final voyage.
In July, his crew sailed through the Hudson Bay once again, seeking for a way west. Spending months trying to map the coastline, they failed to find this so-called Northwest Passage, which is proven to be fake. Soon, winter set in, and they were stuck in the ice, unable get out. It took until June for the ice to melt, and Hudson’s crew was starving. Though they were already heading home, the crew revolted, believing that Hudson had a secret stash of food. This resulted in Hudson, his son, and his loyal members to be forced to sail on a small boat. These people were never seen …show more content…
Despite the fact that Hudson was never able to reach his goal of finding a way to Asia, his voyages have a strong influence of what we have today. For example, his third voyage encouraged even the Dutch into the “New World,” who settled along what is now New York. Then, in 1625, the Dutch started a colony called New Amsterdam, which is found at the mouth of the Hudson River.
While Hudson has been an aspiration to many European explorers, he was also able to influence England to begin colonies on the East Coast, which soon joined to become the United States. Henry Hudson’s fourth voyage was also used to claim land in Canada. Whether he truly succeeded or failed, Hudson’s name carries on today. Many explorers are inspired by him, for Hudson showed great determination and persistence in his many