God, Gold, and Glory: The Three Motives for Exploration — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging passage introduces students to the three main motives for European exploration in North America: God, Gold, and Glory. Students will learn how explorers sought riches, spread religion, and aimed for fame, as well as the impact these journeys had on Native Americans. The reading uses clear, chronological storytelling with accessible vocabulary and concrete examples, supported by a helpful glossary. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer to deepen understanding. The passage aligns with D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.14.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, and W.4.2 standards. Read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation are included, making this resource accessible for diverse classrooms. This history reading passage is ideal for building literacy and historical thinking skills, while exploring key events and figures of the Age of Exploration.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Three acrylic art panels illustrating God, Gold, and Glory in exploration. — Artistic Representation of God, Gold, and Glory: Motives of European Exploration

The Age of Exploration changed the world. European explorers traveled across the ocean to North America. They had three main reasons for their journeys. They wanted to spread their religion (God), become rich (Gold), and gain fame (Glory).

For many explorers, spreading the Christian faith was important. Kings and queens in Europe wanted more people to follow their beliefs. They sent missionaries to teach Native Americans about Christianity. A Spanish priest once said, "We have come here to serve God and to get rich." This shows how the desire for God and Gold were connected.

The second motive was Gold. Explorers hoped to find gold, silver, and other riches. They believed there were great treasures in the new lands. Stories spread of cities made of gold. This made more people want to explore. Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro were famous for searching for gold among Native peoples. Many explorers traded with Native Americans for furs and other valuable goods.

The third motive was Glory. Explorers wanted to become heroes. They hoped to be remembered in history. Kings and queens also wanted new lands and power. Claiming land for their country made them feel important. Christopher Columbus became famous because he crossed the Atlantic Ocean. He wrote, "I went to the new world to find new lands for my king and queen." His journey changed the map of the world.

The arrival of Europeans brought big changes for Native Americans. Some Native peoples traded and helped explorers. Others lost their land and faced new diseases. The meeting of different cultures shaped the future of North America.

These three motives—God, Gold, and Glory—led to many important events. Explorers discovered new lands and met new people. Their journeys began a new chapter in world history.

Interesting Fact: The phrase "God, Gold, and Glory" is still used by historians to describe why people explored new lands.

What are the three motives for exploration?

God, Gold, GloryScience, Art, PeaceTrade, Farming, WarHonor, Wisdom, Safety

Who did explorers want to teach about Christianity?

Native AmericansFarmersSailorsOther explorers

Which explorer is known for crossing the Atlantic?

Christopher ColumbusHernán CortésFrancisco PizarroLeif Erikson

Why did explorers seek gold?

To become richTo become farmersTo find new animalsTo make peace

How did some Native Americans help explorers?

By trading goodsBy building shipsBy teaching them SpanishBy writing books

What was a result of explorers meeting Native Americans?