Motivation and Means of Colonization essays

Motivation and Means of Colonization essays With the dawn of the 16th century, there came together in Europe both the motivation and the means to explore and Colonize territory across the sea It is true; in the beginning and throughout the 16th century, the time for Europeans to explore the vast unknown territory outside of their realm was ripe. Until this time, the people of many European nations had not developed the means or the motivation for the dangerous, risky, and costly expeditions. However, with an age of new thinking, known as the Renaissance, impacting the thinking of society, people were able to collaborate and begin the adventure of discovery. People had many different reasons for attempting the voyage across the ocean. Firstly, vast improvements in technology enabled people to travel on fast, light ships that could move swiftly and predictably. The invention of the compass allowed for accurate landings on the new shore; and once they were on dry land, gunpowder was used to subdue, or impress, the natives. One impression that the Europeans left on the Americas was one of power and greed. For many centuries, trade was the backbone of the European economy. By expanding the trade route into the New World, more money would be brought into the respective country, thereby improving society, and economy. Also, the competition for the trade routes was fierce, so that anyone with a controlled, private route would have the upper hand in trading. In fact, Christopher Columbus was actually searching for an alternate route to Asia when he stumbled across America. The effect of the conquistadors on Americas native tribes was destructive, yet gone unnoticed by their relentless search for treasure. Not everyone who braved the journey to America went in search of lost cities and fountains of youth. Many religious conflicts were taking shape throughout Europe, and for those who wished to escape persecution, a journey into an unknown land ...