Final answer:
The early explorers hailed from various nations and engaged in explorations with different focuses and objectives. Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Henry Hudson, Jacques Cartier, and Willem Janszoon were main navigators for their respective nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early explorers referred to in the question are those who embarked on voyages of discovery during the Age of Exploration. These explorers hailed from various nations including Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands. Some notable explorers include Christopher Columbus (Spain), Vasco da Gama (Portugal), Henry Hudson (England), Jacques Cartier (France), and Willem Janszoon (Netherlands).
One key difference in their explorations was the areas they focused on. Spanish and Portuguese explorers primarily explored and colonized regions in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean. English and Dutch explorers focused on North America, with the English focusing on the eastern coast and the Dutch exploring the Hudson River region. French explorers primarily focused on the northern part of North America, including present-day Canada. Another difference was the objectives of their explorations, such as seeking a direct sea route to Asia, establishing trade routes, or claiming territory for colonization.
The main navigators for each nation varied depending on the specific voyage or expedition. For example, Christopher Columbus and Juan Ponce de León were notable Spanish navigators, while Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan were prominent Portuguese navigators. Henry Hudson and John Cabot were notable English navigators, while Samuel de Champlain was a noteworthy French navigator. Willem Janszoon was one of the main navigators for the Netherlands.
Learn more about Explorations during the Age of Exploration