Exploration of North America

A European explorer born in Genoa, Italy, known for being the first European to land in North America. He explored for the British Crown and made three voyages.

John Cabot's first voyage in 1496, which failed due to bad weather, forcing him to turn back.

John Cabot's successful 1497 voyage where he landed in Newfoundland and Labrador, discovering abundant cod fish. This voyage, while successful in finding fishing grounds, disappointed King Henry VII as it did not lead to a route to Asia.

John Cabot's third and final voyage in 1498, which tragically ended in his death due to unknown reasons. Only one of the five ships that started the voyage returned.

Jacques Cartier's first voyage in 1534 aimed to explore the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec, and Newfoundland in search of the Northwest Passage, a mythical route to Asia. He planted a cross on the Gaspe Peninsula, marking French territory, which sparked conflict with the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people.

During his second voyage (1535-1536), Cartier ventured further into Canada through the St. Lawrence River. He reached Stadacona (Quebec City) and Hochelaga (Montreal), believing he had found the Northwest Passage. Rapids blocked his progress, forcing him to spend the winter there. Scurvy afflicted his crew, but an Indigenous remedy helped them recover.

Cartier's third voyage (1540) was an attempt to establish a permanent French colony in Canada. However, it ended in failure due to attacks by Indigenous Haudenosaunee people. The colony at Cap-Rouge was abandoned in 1542 and permanently in 1543.

While Cartier's expeditions failed to find the Northwest Passage or establish a lasting colony, they significantly contributed to European understanding of North America. His mapping of the St. Lawrence River opened up new routes for French explorers, leading to future exploration and colonization.

Although Cartier's voyages were unsuccessful in finding gold and gems, they led to the spread of European diseases among Indigenous populations. His encounters with Indigenous communities began establishing relationships, albeit complex and fraught with challenges.

A period of time in European history marked by a major conflict between Protestant and Catholic forces, lasting from 1618 to 1648.

The first enslaved Africans were brought to Jamestown, Virginia, marking the beginning of a tragic period of forced labor and exploitation in the Americas.

Known as the "Father of New France", Samuel de Champlain was a French explorer, navigator, geographer, and administrator. He played a pivotal role in establishing French settlements in North America.

Champlain's primary goal was to chart new territory, map out potential colonial locations, and establish French presence in North America.

The exploration and settlement of New France led to conflicts between French colonists and First Nations groups, particularly the Iroquois and Algonquin.

Champlain played a crucial role in establishing Quebec, which eventually became a major center of French power in North America. He was captured by England in 1629, but returned after Quebec was restored to France.

Champlain's explorations and contributions to the development of New France played a crucial role in shaping the early history of North America.

Although not explicitly stated in the text, it is highly probable that the Iroquois and Algonquin were already at odds before Champlain intervened. His arrival, however, exacerbated those tensions.