Chapter 1
United States History, Government, and Citizenship
Course: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects 5001
Subject: Elementary Education Social Studies Subtest 5004
Chapter: United States History Government And Citizenship
1. European Exploration in U.S. History
Time period: Late 1400s to early 1600s European nations explored the Americas for three main reasons: wealth (gold), religious influence (God), and power (glory). They were looking for new trade routes, sources of wealth, and ways to spread Christianity.
Major explorers and countries:
- Spain: Sent explorers like Hernando de Soto and Francisco Coronado. Spain established settlements in the southern U.S. (Florida, New Mexico, California).
- France: Focused on fur trading and building relationships with Native American tribes. Explorers like Samuel de Champlain explored parts of Canada and the Mississippi River.
- England: Focused on the Atlantic coast. John Cabot explored parts of North America. England later established colonies like Jamestown (1607) in Virginia.