003: Early Sea Exploration of California

Why did Spanish Explorers Come to California?Spanish mariners began exploring the Pacific coast of North America in the early 16th century in hopes of finding new civilizations to join their empire.It was a time when powers such as Spain, England, France and the Ottoman Empire competed for control of land and trade in Europe, the Near East and Africa. Seeking to outflank her European rivals,  Spain supported explorers and adventurers who could find areas of expansion in the Americas, where empires such as the Aztecs and Incas also expanded and conquered neighboring peoples.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:[email protected]