Type the summary paragraph of Exploring North America that you were prompted to write in the lesson. The text is included below. Refer to it as needed. Exploring North America Introduction Centuries ago, the exploration and colonization of new lands were a way for countries to extend their political powers. The ocean journey from England, France, or Spain to North America was 3000 miles of unknown dangers, but it led to potential discovery. The journeys began in 1020. Three reasons to make the voyages were religion, wealth, and competition. Why Be an Explorer? Each man who made the journey had a reason to explore. A common reason was their enjoyment of adventure. Discovering the unknown can be exciting. Others were scientists who enjoyed charting and drawing maps. In order to expand their study, they needed to journey abroad. A few travelers sought riches, like gold and spices, for financial gain. Also, missionaries hoped to share their beliefs by providing medical care and life skills. Their goal was to aid the Native Americans, who the Europeans perceived as uneducated. There were numerous reasons to explore the new lands. There seemed to be numerous regions to explore. Who Were the Explorers? Leif Erikson: Historical records indicate that Leif Eriksson, a Viking explorer, was the first man to reach North America. Leif is credited with landing along the coastline of present-day Newfoundland. This happened about 500 years before the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus started his voyage. A Viking settlement was established and occupied for several years before Erikson left to return to his homeland. Christopher Columbus: Christopher Columbus left his homeland in 1492 to seek wealth in the form of trade items. He was destined for China but erred in direction and arrived on Watling's Island in the Bahamas. It was a long and dangerous journey. His crew was on the verge of mutiny, so the sighting of land was a positive thing. Upon arrival, Columbus dedicated the newly discovered land to the King and Queen