The Race for Riches: Competition Among Nations — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2
SL.4.1

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage introduces students to the Age of Exploration and the intense race for riches among European nations. The story follows explorers from Spain, England, and France as they set out to find gold, land, and new trade routes in North America, and explores their interactions with Native American peoples. Students learn about the motivations, challenges, and early encounters that shaped American history. The passage includes a clear timeline, glossary, and multiple-choice questions to build historical understanding and literacy skills. Aligned to C3 Framework and Common Core standards, this resource also offers a Spanish translation, read aloud audio, and writing activities to deepen analysis. Ideal for classroom or independent learning, this passage helps students connect past events to present-day America and gain key vocabulary for understanding U.S. history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Age of Exploration changed the world. In the 1400s and 1500s, European nations like Spain, France, and England wanted to grow richer and more powerful. They believed there was gold, spices, and new lands across the ocean. Kings and queens sent explorers to find these riches. This competition started a race to claim new land in America.

Spain was one of the first nations to send explorers. In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed west and found lands he did not expect. Other Spanish explorers, like Hernando de Soto, came looking for gold. They traveled through forests and rivers, meeting Native Americans who had lived there for thousands of years. Native Americans showed explorers new foods like corn and potatoes. They also helped them survive in the wild.

But the arrival of Europeans brought big changes. Many explorers wanted to claim land for their country. This often led to conflicts. Some Native Americans traded with the newcomers. Others tried to protect their homes. The explorers brought new goods, but they also brought diseases. These diseases were very dangerous for Native Americans.

France and England also joined the race. French explorers traveled along rivers and lakes in the north. They set up trading posts and made friends with some Native American groups. English explorers landed along the coast. They built settlements and farms. The search for riches and land kept growing. More people arrived from Europe every year.

This competition shaped America’s future. The choices made by explorers and Native Americans changed the land and its people. Today, we remember the bravery and curiosity of those who explored. We also honor the strength of Native Americans who faced many challenges during these times.

Exploration led to new maps and ideas. Settlements grew into towns and cities. Trade brought new foods and goods. Conflicts sometimes led to war. But the Age of Exploration is a key part of America’s story.

Interesting Fact: Some explorers, like Hernando de Soto, never found gold, but their journeys helped map new parts of America.

Who sailed west in 1492?

Christopher ColumbusHernando de SotoJohn SmithPocahontas

Which country sent explorers first?

SpainEnglandFranceItaly

What did explorers want to find?

Gold and new landA new kingOld mapsDinosaurs

Why did Native Americans help explorers?

To share foodsTo steal shipsTo find goldTo build castles

What did explorers bring besides goods?

DiseasesCarsComputersTelevision

What happened because of competition?