CONCLUSION
In
this unit, you learned about eight early European explorers of the Americas.
Europeans
wanted a shortcut to the riches of Asia.
Christopher Columbus sailed west and reached land. His success inspired others.
Early explorers like Columbus thought they had
reached Asia. Eventually, explorers realized
that this land was NOT Asia but the Americas. Some, such as Cartier and
Hudson, kept searching for a shortcut to Asia.
Instead, the real treasure that made European countries richer was the American
territory they claimed.
Unfortunately,
Native Americans suffered as a result of European exploration. The explorers
killed native people who opposed them. They also infected them with contagious
diseases.
The
explorers opened the door to the world unknown to Europeans. They expanded
knowledge of the world and because of their journeys people on both sides of
the Atlantic became aware of other cultures.
Lands were discovered and mapped. The European explorers made it possible for
other Europeans to follow with trade and settlement. The European Age of
Exploration was motivated by a desire for wealth and trade. The monarchies who
sponsored the expeditions started a powerful expansionist movement that changed
the world forever.