Prehistory and Columbus

The First Americans The Bering Land Bridge – 10,000 to 30,000 years ago – During the Ice Age, sea levels drop all around the world – A land bridge is exposed between Alaska and Russia

Hunter-gatherers follow migrating herds of animals into new lands These will become the Native Americans that Columbus meets in 1492

The Age of Discovery

Europe, 15 th century Spices from Asia are expensive and in high demand Competition between European countries is also very high – England – France – Spain

European explorers are looking for routes to Asia to give their countries an advantage, and make themselves rich Bartolomeu Dias- finds a trade route to Asia by sailing around Africa

Christopher Columbus Spain sends Christopher Columbus to chart a new route to Asia by sailing West across the Atlantic Columbus makes three big mistakes – Outdated sources – Underestimates the size of the Earth

Columbus’ First Voyage August 3, 1492 Columbus sets sail with 90 men in three ships – The Nina – The Pinta – The Santa Maria

October 12, Columbus sights land He’s convinced he’s reached Asia

He returns to Spain to report to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella He also may have begun the slave trade

Later in His Life Columbus is made governor of the “New World” but is fired due to his treatment of the Natives He dies in 1506

Columbus’ Impact Expanded European knowledge of geography Others knew that Columbus had discovered something new, and sent their own explorers

The Columbian Exchange Trade in plants, animals, people, and germs from the Old World (Europe, Africa), and the New World (the Americas) – Slaves – Smallpox – Grains

European Exploration of the New World European countries have three goals – Spread Christianity to the Indians (God) – Expand their empires (Glory) – Get rich (Goods and Gold)

The rise of mercantilism – Mercantilism- An economic system in which nations increase their wealth and power with favorable trade and gold and silver