When thinking about the exploration of the New World it is important to look at the motives of each country. Whether it is to trade,to conquest, or to settle you are able to tell just how our country was formed.
Spain: Spain came in to the New World guns blazing. They hoped to take over as much land as possible and do whatever was necessary to get rich quick. They went on countless conquests, exploiting nearly a third of the Indian's land. However, they did not stay and live here, instead they took what resources were available and moved on.
France: The French saw the New World as nothing more than a place to trade. Along the northeast coast there was a prime fishing spot which the Indians hadn't discovered yet. However, the French along with the Dutch had and used it to trade. They traded fish, iron tools, pots, pans, etc. to in return get animal furs from the Indians. This fur was then made into clothing which helped them live through the harsh winter.
English: The English came over to the New World for me completely different reasons. The Puritans, as they were now known, hoped to find a place where they could finally have religious freedom. Much to their surprise this would not be the case. Britain still had power over them even though they were in the New World. This lead to a revolt against Great Britain. The English won this revolution and settled in the New World as if they had always lived there.
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