What factors led Europeans to venture beyond their coasts to "discover" new lands and waterways? Why was it that Europeans circumnavigated the globe before other civilizations or societies? What were their motivations? What technologies allowed for this exploration?

Who was living in Mexico when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 1500s? How advanced was their civilization? How were the Spanish able to conquer this civilization?

What happened when Cortes met the Aztec? How were the Spanish able to defeat the mighty Aztec Empire? Should Hernan Cortes be considered a hero or a villain?

Who were the Inca (Inka)? What type of civilization had they established by the time the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro led an expedition into their territory? Would you consider the Inca to be an advanced civilization?

How was Francisco Pizarro able to defeat the Inca Empire with only 168 men?

After conquering lands in the "New World", how did the Spanish rule over those lands? What do you think about Spanish treatment of the natives?

What other European countries sent explorers and established colonies in the "New World"? What impact did colonization have on the world economy?

How did Columbus' voyages change the world he lived in and created world we live in today? How did the movement of people, animals and goods affect the Eastern and Western Hemisphere? What aspects were positive? Which were negative (detrimental)?

How should we remember history? Was Christopher Columbus a heroic explorer that we should honor or a greedy invader who caused more harm than good?

This page contains additional resources what will aid your study of European Exploration.