Francisco de Orellana vs Samuel de Champlain

Orellana was sent by Gonzalo Pizarro to scout ahead for food along the Napo River. When he failed to return, Pizarro accused him of desertion. Orellana continued downstream, eventually reaching the Amazon, while Pizarro's starving expedition returned to Quito.

Orellana led a group of 50 men down the Napo River and into the Amazon River, becoming the first Europeans to navigate the entire length of the Amazon. The journey covered over 4,000 miles from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, taking 8 months.

Orellana's expedition reported being attacked by a tribe of female warriors near the mouth of the Tapaj

Orellana returned to Spain and reported his discovery to King Charles I. He was granted a royal commission to conquer and colonize the Amazon region, with the title of Governor of New Andalusia. He was given permission to take 300 men and 30 horses.

Orellana died on the Amazon River during his second expedition to colonize the region. The exact cause of death is unknown, but it is believed to be from disease or attack by indigenous peoples. The expedition failed to establish a colony.

Champlain established a permanent settlement at Quebec on the St. Lawrence River. This became the capital of New France and the first enduring French colony in Canada, serving as a base for fur trade and exploration.

Champlain joined a Huron war party against the Iroquois near Lake Champlain. He used firearms to defeat the Iroquois, establishing a lasting French alliance with the Huron and enmity with the Iroquois Confederacy.

Champlain was appointed as the lieutenant of the viceroy of New France, giving him official authority over French colonial affairs in Canada. He used this position to promote settlement and exploration.

Champlain traveled to Lake Huron and Lake Ontario, becoming the first European to map these lakes. He established alliances with the Huron and Algonquin peoples, which shaped French colonial policy.