Factors that stimulated European exploration
During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries many different factors peaked interest in colonization and exploration for Europeans. As a continent, Europe was changing rapidly. Nationally Spain, France, and England each had their own reasons for growth. All of Europe dealt with the excitement and uncertainty of new places. Europe began evolving as early as 1095 with the beginning of the Crusades. These Europeans began to trade with the Orient, swapping knowledge, food, and crafts. This newfound wealth was reinvested in what is known as the Renaissance. All subjects were being studied again, including geography. Educated people know realized that the earth was round, and even estimated its circumference. New navigational and ship building techniques were developed. The evolution continued as nation-states were formed. Unity was nece
Reformation gained a following as people began to cut ties with Roman Catholicism. They were abused, exploited, and eventually killed by European diseases. While the French never seemed to financially gain like England and Spain, they gained allies and friends in the Indians, which proved beneficial later. These two knew of Portugal's success with Prince Henry's navigational school. The idea of national unity was sparked when Isabella of Castile was wed to Ferdinand of Aragon. France approached colonization a little differently than Spain or England. He discovered San Salvador, Cuba, and Hispaniola. This resulted in a huge Canadian empire. So when young Columbus asked for financing, they considered, then agreed to his terms. The colonization of New Spain was a learning experience in how to deal with the natives. This success caused jealously and tension around Europe. Though the loss of life was great, the knowledge of new geography and new crops proved invaluable. New Spain, as it was called, did not attract many migrators very quickly. While Queen Elizabeth agreed, she was not willing to finance these ventures. Expansionists such as Richard Hakluyt believed colonization would provide jobs, it would prove profitable for England, and be a platform to spread the gospel.
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