European Conquest- Contributing Factors

Chapter 1: Exploration and Conquest What factors contribute? – 1. Political – 2. Economic – 3. Cultural – 4. Technological

1. Political Factors Why did Portugal and Spain lead the way in exploration in the 15 th and 16 th centuries? – They were the first to unify under one monarchy (and their geographic location on Atlantic).

1. Political Factors

Portugal is first to unify and complete Reconquista in the 13 th century. Prince Henry the Navigator starts school in Sagres in 1418.

1. Political Factors Spain unifies under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492 (same year Reconquista is completed and Columbus reaches New World).

1. Political Factors What about the rest of Europe? – England, France, Germany and Italy are occupied by religious and civil wars.

2. Economic Factors Shift from Feudalism to capitalism. Where did this occur first? – Italian city states

2. Economic Factors Why did capitalism first emerge in Italy? – Italy dominated spice trade with Middle East.

2. Economic Factors

Components of Capitalism: – Free trade, entrepreneurship, private property, legally binding contracts, and joint- stock companies.

2. Economic Factors As entrepreneurs increase wealth of nation (and therefore the monarchy) – nations begin competing for new markets.

2. Economic Factors

3. Cultural Factors Judeo-Christian worldview saw history as linear (progressing from the creation).

3. Cultural Factors Portugal and Spain attempted to spread Christianity to natives.

3. Cultural Factors Few natives converted, many resisted, and many more were killed in the process. – Pueblo Indian Revolt (1680)

3. Cultural Factors Bartolome de las Casas became the “Protector of the Indians” and spoke out against the treatment of natives through the encomienda system beginning in 1515.

3. Cultural Factors The Renaissance and then Enlightenment also encouraged men to explore and see the world as something to be understood.

4. Technological Crusades and trade with Middle East expose Europe to classical ideas and new inventions that aid in conquest.

4. Technological Caravel is perfected with lateen (triangular) sails that allow ship to tack into the winds of Atlantic.

4. Technological Astrolabe allows explorers to chart their local time and latitude. Compass allows more accurate directions.