Explorers and Conquistadors Unit 4, SSWH 10 a
Conquistador and Explorer Conquistador: Spanish soldiers, explorers, & fortune hunters who took part in the conquest of the Americas in the 16 th century. Explorer: a person who travels in search of geographical or scientific information.
Zheng He, 1430s Chinese Muslim admiral, led 7 expeditions Chinese emperor, Youglo, wanted the world to see China’s greatness Traveled from Southeast Asia to eastern Africa
Some foreign countries paid tribute to China, & all received Chinese gifts After the 7 th expedition China withdrew into isolation
Christopher Columbus, 1492 Spanish wanted a direct route to Asia October, discovered an island in the Caribbean “East Indies” Opened the way for European colonization of the Americas
Increased tensions between Spain & Portugal Treaty of Tordesillas: Agreement of both countries & what land they could have (imaginary line North & South)
Vasco da Gama, 1497 Portuguese explorer – explored the east African coast In 1498, reached Calicut (India) Returned to Portugal, 1499, brought back cargo 60 times the cost of the voyage Discovered a direct route to India
Ferdinand Magellan, 1519 Portuguese explorer, sailed for Spain to discover the new ocean (Pacific) Sailed around the southern tip of South America Eventually, reached the Philippines 1521
Magellan died in the Philippines (local war) & his crew returned home 1522 First group to circumnavigate (sail around) the world
Samuel de Champlain, 1608 French explorer went into the New York harbor & sailed up the St. Lawrence River. He & 32 colonists found Quebec, which became the base for French colonies - “New France”
James Cook, 1769 British sea captain, claimed New Zealand and part of Australia for England