The Colonization of the Americas

• 1453—Last Crusade, Muslim control of Silk Road. Portugal & Spain seek new trade routes

• America has many natural resources, and lots of extra space for colonists

Reasons for Colonization

of the Americas

1. Close of the Silk Road

2. Europeans needed a new route to China

1492 – Christopher Columbus (Spain) sails west for Asia, “discovers” a New

World

Spain controls most of the Americas in

1500s

1588 – Spanish Armada fails to conquer

England. England becomes major power

in North America (controls the seas)

Characteristics of the English Colonies

Southern Colonies:1. Warm climate2. Cash Crops (Agriculture)

1. Tobacco

3. Plantation System/Slavery**Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia

New England Colonies:1. Cooler climate2. Manufacturing/Trade/ Shipping3. Religion more important**Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

Middle Colonies:1. More diverse2. Trade/Shipping3. A little bit of New

England/Southern colonies

**New York,Pennsylvania,New Jersey, Delaware

Wrap-Up Questions

1. What were some reasons for the colonization of the Americas by Europeans?

2. Why did England eventually become the major power in North America?

3. What are some characteristics of the Southern, New England, and Middle colonies?