AGE OF EXPLORATION
Dec 30, 2015
AGE OF EXPLORATION
L.T. : I can describe European motivation for exploring the seas.
The Age of Exploration refers that time from the 1400s-1600s when many explorers took great risks to sail the seas and explore unknown lands. What things would have motivated them to do this? Try to list 3-5 ideas.
The Age of Exploration
A new age of European exploration, discovery, expansion, and settlement began in the 1400s.
What was going on at that time??? Renaissance Population Increase Centralization of Power (State-
building) New technology
The 3 G’s
GOD Desire to spread Christianity to the
“uncivilized.” GOLD
Find gold, spices, and other riches. GLORY
To become famous; associated with Renaissance spirit of curiosity
The Search for Spices
First explorers – looking for a new trade route to Asia.
Land – too long and too dangerous Arabs and Italians were the middlemen
between Europe and East Asia. Merchants wanted to bypass them and
find a direct route. How? Go around tip of Africa.
Spices
Extremely valuable Were used to preserve and flavor food, in
medicine, and in perfume. Where? Moluccas – island chain in
present-day Indonesia. “Spice Islands” How? New technology and improved
knowledge (prior to 1400s, ships could not sail against wind) Caravel, astrolabe, magnetic compass, better
maps, better knowledge of wind patterns.
Portugal
Portugal led the way in the Age of Exploration.
Location – already traded along coast of Africa Traded gold, ivory, slaves
Prince Henry – founded a school for navigators in 1419. Bartolomeu Dias – 1488 – first person to round
the southern tip of Africa – Cape of Good Hope Vasco da Gama – 1498 – first person to reach
India by this route Very profitable…several thousand % (ginger,
cinnamon)
Spain
Portugal’s success in Asia made other countries jealous, especially Spain.
Christopher Columbus Rejected by Portugal, sponsored by Ferdinand and
Isabella His idea: sail west across the Atlantic to reach Asia Thought it would only take a few weeks Underestimated the circumference of the Earth Didn’t know the Americas existed Left Spain in August 1492; reached land on Oct 12.
Columbus
Believed he had reached the East Indies. “Indians”
Was really in the Bahamas. Made 3 return visits; claimed land for
Spain; exploitation of natives; empire building
Why America? Amerigo Vespucci Columbus died in 1506, still believing he
had reached Asia. Line of Demarcation/Treaty of Tordesillas
Magellan
Was Portuguese but sailed for Spain Left Spain on Sept 20, 1519
5 ships; 277 men 1 ship was lost along the coast of S America 1 ship (most supplies) mutinied Strait of Magellan – Pacific Ocean Ate rats, maggots, and sawdust to survive
Scurvy was common (rotted gums, gangrene) 3 ships made it to the Philippines.
3 G’s accomplished.
Magellan
Spread Christianity to natives after performing a faith healing on the king’s brother
Set up trade with the king Trade route west to Asia
Magellan was killed in battle here. Only 1 ship (Victoria) makes it back to
Spain in 1522 with 18 men.