1. What were the primary motivations for exploration and colonization in the New World? What were the conditions in Spain, Europe and the Middle East...

1. What were the primary motivations for exploration and colonization in the New World? What were the conditions in Spain, Europe and the Middle East that precipitated exploration? Where other European nations in a position to compete with Spain? Who were they, and what were their capabilities? If another nation had initiated discovery, would things have been different, and why?

2. Describe the Native American societies that met early explorers. Be sure to take into account the variety of tribal cultures encountered over the first few decades of European involvement. What accounted for their inability to deal effectively with Europeans? 

3. Why did Spain not move more decisively into North America? Why did they concentrate in Central and South America?