Why Why Washington

Spanish:
The Spanish explorers wanted to explore Washington and claim lots of land for three reasons: they wanted the untold riches, to control the Native Americans, and to find the elusive Western entrance to the Northwest Passage. The Spanish were the first people to explore the coast of the Pacific Northwest, but they never went inland, which cost them dearly. Juan Perez was the first Spanish explorer to explore Washington, in 1774.


British:
The British explorers came soon after the Spaniards. They also went along the coast, yet they didn't go inland more than a few miles. A major British explorer was John Meares. George Vancouver, was another majorly known explorer. Unlike the Spanish, though, the British didn't have to give up their claim, because the Spaniards were the ones that lost the dispute.

Comparing the Two:
The Spanish were the first explorers to come to Washington on expeditions for discovery. After that, the British came. The Spanish wanted untold riches and control over the Native Americans. The British had a different approach, though they still wanted the same things. This was their ulterior motive. The Spanish sailed along the coast of the whole Pacific Northwest, while the British sent people to explore the coastline on foot. Below is a picture of Robert Gray, a British explorer.