Why Come?
What did some European settlers leave their homes to travel to America?
Goal:
Goal:
Some of the first early European explorers came to America from England (Great Britain), Spain, and France. People from these countries came here for different reasons. Click on the tabs to learn about why the first explorers came to America.
England/Great Britain
Spain
France
People from England came to America looking either for religious freedom or for a better life. In England, they were punished if they did not follow the Church of England. However, many people wanted the freedom to believe what they wanted, so they left England for the New World. People also wanted more economic opportunity and the potential to earn money and own land.
People from Spain came to America in search of land to expand the Spanish Empire. They were also looking for gold, silver, and spices.
The first French explores came to the New World to seek a route to the Pacific and wealth. They focused on profitable fur trade with the Native Americans, who they depended on to hunt animals for their pelts. Some people from France also came to America looking for religious freedom.