Exploring South Carolina
European explorers began introducing a new culture to the existing Native American culture in South Carolina. European explorers wanted to find a shorter route to the spices of Asia and to find gold, silver, precious metals and other valuables such as furs. The Spanish, French and English monarchs were also interested in expanding their empires by gaining new land. Monarchs promoted exploration and settlement so that their country could be richer and more powerful than their European rivals. Explorers were sent out to claim new lands for “king and country.” Merchants and missionaries wanted to expand their knowledge of the world and to spread Christianity.