You have studied European, West African and North American cultures in the 1400’s. What led to the convergence of these three distinct world cultures?

Age of Exploration A period from the 1400s to the 1600s in which Europeans explored Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania

What motivated Europeans to explore?

 Curiosity: The Renaissance resulted in a rebirth of European interest in the physical world. This led many to seek adventure and discovery.  National Pride: England, France, Spain & Portugal became unified nations and competed to be the strongest power  Religious Freedom: The Reformation led to a religious split through Europe. Many Protestants and some Catholics crossed the Atlantic to escape religious persecution.

 Alternate Trade Routes: Land routes to Asia had been severed with the fall on Constantinople. Europeans sought new routes by sea.  Slave Trade: Portuguese and Dutch traders began to import African slaves to the Caribbean and South America in early 1500's  Wealth: Europe’s gold and silver mines were running low. The monarchs of Portugal, Spain, France and England begin looking for wealth overseas.

What social and technological developments made the Age of Discovery possible?

 Rise of the Merchant Class: Men who gained their wealth from trade were becoming more influential in Europe.  Improvements in Weaponry: Longbows, cannons and the hand-held firearm were all new developments that gave Europeans military advantage while on their conquests.

 Revival of Cartography (mapmaking)  Improvements in Sailing Technology caravel astrolabe compass

Who went where?