Looking Everywhere The lines above mark the routes of voyages which explore America during the 1500s, from top to bottom. Most are in search of gold, such as the Spanish have already discovered in Mexico and South America. In the far north, the English and Dutch are exploring more northerly routes, looking for a 'Northwest Passage' to India. They never find it.

	Spanish Brutality Of all the countries exploring the Americas, Spain is the most aggressive. It launches full-scale military expeditions, with cannons, cavalry and lots of armor. Calling themselves 'Conquistadors,' the Spanish are intent upon conquest, not mere exploration. The expeditions to Mexico and Peru result in the complete destruction of the Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations, with incredible brutality (lower left). The Spaniards make slaves of the native people, forcing them to work the gold and silver mines.
	No Gold for the English The English send a couple of expeditions to explore the American coast, but find no gold. The coastal areas provide excellent fishing, but that isn't enough to justify the cost of trying to establish colonies. Instead, the English turn their attention to finding a northern route to the great riches of China. This means sailing west from Greenland, and picking a way through the ice. The English send repeated expeditions to this area, some with large fleets, but never succeed in finding the elusive Northwest Passage.