Explain The Goals Of Spanish Exploration

950 Words4 Pages
Discuss the goals of British, French and Spanish exploration in North America and the means by which each nation attempted to achieve them.” The Age of Exploration began in the late 15th Century, as European nations, having the ocean technology, began to see the potential of the New World. The massive territories, countless riches, and experienced native peoples, meant that a claim in the Americas could easily boost a nation’s wealth, status and reputation. The European powerhouses; Great Britain, France and Spain each had their goals set for exploration and conquest in the New World. Each set out to create a name for themselves on American soil, and as the competition increased between the nations, violence often broke out. The Columbus’ voyage in 1492 convinced Spain that it could dominate the New World. The first Spanish explorers, such as Cortes and Balboa, were satisfied with their findings in Central America. However, Ponce de Leon, the governor of Puerto Rico, set his sights on expanding the new Spanish empire to northern America. He sailed to Florida, but was killed by natives in 1521. After several other failed Spanish attempts to colonize North America, Hernan de Soto finally arrived in 1539 with a…show more content…
As early as the beginning of the 16th Century, French expeditions to the New World had already begun. They hoped to settle in Brazil and Florida but the Spanish quickly booted them out of those regions. France also hoped to seek territory in the Americas for a place that certain religious groups could settle. In 1562, Jean Ribault and 150 Protestants from Normandy were finally able to establish a settlement on Parris Island in South Carolina. However, when the colony failed, other French expeditions settled further south in Florida and made friendly ties with the local Indians. The Spanish retaliated against these forts and were able to wipe out French influence in southern North
Open Document