European exploration of North America began in the 15th century with voyages by Christopher Columbus, who founded North America while sailing for Spain. Other notable European explorers included Sir Francis Drake and Francisco Vasquez de Coronado from England and Spain, respectively, as well as Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for France. The 13 American colonies were founded between 1607 and 1732, starting with Virginia and ending with Georgia. The colonies developed into three regional economies: the New England colonies focused on farming, fishing, lumber, and shipbuilding; the middle colonies combined industry and agriculture; and the southern colonies centered around large plantations that relied heavily on slave labor to produce cash crops like rice, indigo, and tobacco.
2. European Exploration Sir Francis Drake was from England and sailed around the world. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was from Spain and wanted to conquer the “Seven Cities of Gold” and explored New Mexico and parts of Southwestern North America. Christopher Columbus was from Italy but sailed for Spain and made 4 voyages of exploration and founded North America.
3. European Exploration Jacques Cartier claimed Canada for his homeland France. Hernando Cortes was from Spain and caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. Samuel de Champlain was from France and founded Quebec City and noted as the “Father of New France”
4. European Exploration Vasco da Gama was from Portugal and commanded the first ships from Europe to India Marco Polo was from Italy and was a merchant who journeyed to Asia and traveled the Silk Road Ferdinand Magellan was from Portugal and explored the Philippines and found the Straight of Magellan
