What was difference in exploring for Spain and France? Why did each of them explore? Compare and contrast
http://www.apstudynotes.org/us-history/topics/spanish-and-french-exploration/
Well, this question isn't really clear to be honest. Who is exploring? Who is them?
Yes there were Spanish explorers who were looking for gold and French explorers who traded for furs.
To understand the differences in exploration between Spain and France, as well as their motivations, we can compare and contrast their exploratory ventures during the Age of Discovery.
1. Motivations for exploration:
Spain: Spain had primarily economic motives for exploration. They sought to expand their trade network and acquire valuable resources, such as gold and spices. They were also driven by religious reasons, intending to spread Christianity to new territories.
France: France, on the other hand, had a combination of economic, political, and strategic motives. The French explorers sought to establish trade routes and access new markets. Additionally, they aimed to expand their empire and increase their political influence globally.
2. Exploratory Efforts:
Spain: Spain focused primarily on maritime exploration. Their most famous explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Hernán Cortés, undertook expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean, exploring the Americas and the Pacific. Spain established colonies and trade networks in regions like Central and South America, which became known as Spanish America.
France: France had a more diverse approach to exploration. Their explorers, like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, embarked on both maritime and inland expeditions. France focused on North America, particularly the areas that are now known as Canada and the United States. They established trading posts, explored rivers (like the St. Lawrence and Mississippi), and fostered alliances with Native American tribes.
3. Colonial Approach:
Spain: Spain adopted a more centralized and assimilative approach in their colonies. They aimed to establish permanent settlements, convert indigenous populations to Christianity, and extract valuable resources. This led to the emergence of a system called the encomienda, where Spanish settlers were granted control over indigenous labor and land.
France: France, while establishing some permanent settlements, had a more decentralized and cooperative approach. French explorers often forged alliances with Native American tribes for trade and military purposes. Unlike Spain, France had a more collaborative relationship with Native Americans, which influenced their fur trade and diplomacy strategies.
In summary, Spain's exploration efforts were driven primarily by economic motives, with the aim of acquiring wealth and spreading Christianity. France, on the other hand, had a more varied set of motivations, including economic expansion, political influence, and strategic advantages. The approaches to exploration differed as well, with Spain focusing mainly on maritime expeditions in the Americas, while France explored both maritime and inland areas of North America. Additionally, the colonial approaches varied, with Spain adopting a more assimilative approach, while France had a more cooperative relationship with Native Americans.