Lesson 2: Exploration, Conquest, and Colonization

💬 Discussion

How does the perspective presented in the video challenge traditional narratives surrounding the "discovery" and colonization of North America? 

What impact might this shift in perspective have on our understanding of early American history?

The reasons are simple -- God, Glory, and Gold. Missionaries aimed to convert indigenous poeples, empires wanted more land and discoveries for the awe factor, and gold is represented through precious metals, control over new trade routes, and the resources that new land provided. Exploring uncharted territory was the best to achieve these goals in the 15th Century.  

The slides provide some background on the development of exploration technologies as well as the demographic, economic, and social changes that resulted from European exploration of the Americas.

Focus your notes on those three categories of changes.

Early Contacts and Perceptions