greatness discussed in the preceding section. We may note, first of
all, that by far the greater part of the territory now comprising the
United States and Canada is distinctly favorable to settlement. This
territory lies almost entirely within the temperate zone: it has
unattractive spots, but in general it is neither so barren of
resources as to discourage the home-maker, nor so tropical in its
abundance as to reward him without his putting forth considerable
effort. Particularly within the bounds of the United States is a well-
balanced national life encouraged by the diversity of soils and the
wide variety of climate. [Footnote: For a fuller discussion of the
natural resources of the United States, see Chapter VI.] Certainly the
continent of North America fulfills the first condition of national
greatness.

4. THE COMING OF THE EUROPEAN.--The discovery of America in 1492
opened a new era in world history. The nations of western Europe were
disappointed when their earlier explorers found the way to Cathay
blocked by a new land-mass, but the Spanish discovery of treasure in
Mexico and South America soon turned disappointment into keen
interest. No magic palaces or spice islands were found, but there were
revealed two virgin continents inviting colonial expansion on a scale
previously unknown. Of the European powers which at various times laid
claim to parts of the New World, Spain, France, Holland, and England
occupy significant positions in the background of American democracy.
We may briefly notice the influence of each of these four powers upon
America.

5. SPAIN.--Though the Spanish were the first in the field, the motives
of the colonists limited their ultimate success in the new land. The
earlier Spaniards were missionaries and treasure-seekers, rather than