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What was the main reason for searching for the Northwest Passage?
The Northwest Passage is a sea corridor connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago islands and along the northern-most coast of North America. Europeans searched for 300 years to find a viable sea trade-route to Asia.
Why did the French search for the Northwest Passage?
to find a connection between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. to improve their ability to trade valuable goods from the East Indies. to increase their ability to more-easily trade valuable goods. to close off a potential trade route for the English.
Why did the English want to find the Northwest Passage?
Although Spain and Portugal led the way in exploration, England and France were not far behind. The English and the French were hopeful that they could find a “Northwest Passage,” a water route that would lead them through North America to the Pacific Ocean. Then they could sail to the Spice Islands and grow wealthy.
Who was hired to find the Northwest Passage?
Henry Hudson. In 1609, the merchants of the Dutch East India Company hired English explorer Henry Hudson to find the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
When was the last time the Northwest Passage was clear?
According to Nalan Koc of the Norwegian Polar Institute, this was the first time the Passage has been clear since they began keeping records in 1972. The Northwest Passage opened again on August 25, 2008.
What are the three sections of the Northwest Passage?
The Northwest Passage includes three sections: West of Baffin Island (impractical): Through Hudson Strait south of Baffin Island, north through the Foxe Basin, west through the Fury and Hecla Strait, north to Lancaster Sound through the Gulf of Boothia and Prince Regent Inlet.
When did Francisco de Ulloa set sail for the Northwest Passage?
In 1539, Spanish explorer Francisco de Ulloa, funded by Hernán Cortés, set sail from Acapulco, Mexico, in search of a Pacific route to the Northwest Passage. He sailed North up the California Coast as far as the Gulf of California, but turned around when he was unable to find the fabled Straight of Anián.