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Why did the Spanish explorers come to California?

Why did the Spanish explorers come to California?

Discovery of California began with the idea that it was a unique island. It was not until the Spanish actually explored the land that the island myth faded away. The goals of the Spanish explorers were to map the California coastline and claim a safe harbor for Spain.

Why would Spanish explorers want to come to America?

The Spanish Empire The motivations for colonial expansion were trade and the spread of the Christian faith through indigenous conversions.

What were the 3 main reasons for Spanish Spain exploration?

There are three main reasons for European Exploration. Them being for the sake of their economy, religion and glory. They wanted to improve their economy for instance by acquiring more spices, gold, and better and faster trading routes.

How did the Spanish sail to California?

Europeans’ contact with California began in the mid 1530s when Cortez’s men ventured to Baja California. Not until 1542 did Spaniards sail north to Alta California, and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s expedition that year made landings as far north as modern Santa Barbara.

Why did the Spanish want to explore California?

Spanish explorations along the Upper California coast continued throughout the 16 th century. One of the hopes that spurred this voyages was the dream of finding the Strait of Anián, a direct sea connection between Europe and Asia (known in English as the Northwest Passage).

Where was the first Spanish settlement in California?

In 1769, the first parties set north from Baja California, and the line of Spanish settlement along the coast was inaugurated when soldiers and priests established a presidio and mission church at San Diego. By the end of the Spanish colonial period, Alta California had three more presidios (at Monterey, San Francisco,…

Why did the Spanish conquistadors come to South America?

A few fledgling Spanish settlements were established nearby, but clashes with Native Americans who lived there, and the lack of gold or other riches made many of them short-lived. Spanish conquistadors had better success in South America, where they conquered the Aztec and Inca Empires and claimed the land for Spain.

When did the Spanish start to colonize Europe?

Overview Beginning in 1492 with the first voyage of Christopher Columbus (1451?-1506), Spanish explorers and conquistadors built a colonial empire that turned Spain into one of the great European powers.