Exploration of North America

The exploration of North America was a period during the late 15th to early 17th centuries when European nations, like Spain, France, and England, sent explorers to discover and map new territories. They sought new trade routes, resources, and land for settlement. Notable explorers included Christopher Columbus, who made voyages across the Atlantic, and later explorers like John Cabot and Jacques Cartier, who charted parts of the continent's coastlines. This exploration led to increased European awareness of North America, setting the stage for colonization, cultural exchanges, and significant impacts on indigenous populations and the continent’s future development.