In this lesson from Unit 2: Colonial America, students examine the early European colonization of the Americas through the themes of God, Gold, and Glory. The lesson focuses on the motivations that drove European nations to explore, conquer, and settle lands in the New World while introducing students to the major colonial powers of Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Students begin by learning important vocabulary terms including exploration, colonization, and mercantilism before exploring how religion, wealth, and national power fueled competition between European empires. The lesson places special emphasis on Spain and the historical impact of the Reconquista, helping students understand why spreading Christianity became such an important goal for Spanish explorers and rulers.

The lesson follows Christopher Columbus’s 1492  ...