THREE DISCOVERIES OF AMERICA

30, 000 years ago people from N. Asia migrated to North America on foot

During the last ice age they crossed on a land bridge (between present day Russia & Alaska)

The first Americans followed animals across the Bering Strait

http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/n_hemis.pdf

First Discovery ~The First Americans

1, 000 A. D. – Norwegian sailors called Vikings discovered N. America

Leif Ericson first European to set foot in N. America

Evidence of a Viking Camp at Newfoundland (Canada)

Stopped visiting this new land because of conflict with natives

Second Discovery ~The Vikings

Viking Voyages

Why did it take the Europeans almost 500 more years to venture to the Americas?

- feudal system – manors were self-sufficient

- people were poor & uneducated- not much curiosity about the world

Third Discovery ~ The Europeans

So what changed?-the Crusades-Marco Polo-commercial revolution in Europe – high

demand for Asian goods-the printing press-improvements in sailing & technology

Third Discovery ~The Europeans

Christopher Columbus-born in Genoa, Italy-studied geography in Portugal-convinced King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella of Spain to support his idea of reaching Asia by sailing west-Left from Spain in Aug 1492 with 3 ships-Landed on San Salvador in Oct 1492-Columbus mistakenly called the natives “Indians”

because he believed he reached the Indies. Made 4 voyages total.

Third Discovery ~The Europeans

Columbus’ Four Voyages

His voyages marked the beginning of lasting contact between Europe, Africa, and Americas

Columbian Exchange: exchange of goods, ideas, disease, etc. between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres

http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/worldhistory/columbianexchange/

Lasting Impact of Columbus

Other significant explorations followed Columbus’ voyages

-Balboa – crossed the isthmus of Panama and claimed the Pacific Ocean for Spain- Magellan – circumnavigated the globe

Spain builds an empire in the “New World”-De Soto, Coronado, & Cabrillo – make claims in N.

America-Cortés – Conquers the Aztecs in Mexico-Pizarro – Conquers the Incas in S. America

Lasting Impact of Columbus(continued)

The Native American population is devastated -within a few generations, 90% of Native American population is wiped out by disease and conquest Other European powers start to compete to

claim land and establish colonies in the Americas over the next several centuries

Lasting Impact of Columbus(continued)