1. The Age of Exploration
Unit 5, December 5th and 6th

2. What was the age of exploration?
A variety of factors all came together to make the time period (1400s-1800s) the “age of exploration”
It was a period when Europeans expanded outside their borders
Some of these factors were pushes, external forces acting on Europe, others were pulls, motivations and things that attracted the Europeans
Prior to this, Europe had been extremely isolated from the rest of the world

3. How did these explorations begin?
The first to encourage new ship explorations was Prince Henry of Portugal, known as “Prince Henry the Navigator”
Started an institute for seafaring and exploring
Combined ship technology learned from Islam with new European innovations
By the time of his death in 1460, the Portuguese had sailed as far south as the Gold Coast of West Africa

4. What were the new technologies that enabled explorations?
The caravel was a new, faster, more maneuverable ship
Older ships had square sails, caravels had triangular sails (easier to change direction and sail into the wind)
Bilge pump system enabled ship to float higher (less likely to run aground, easier to explore coasts and rivers)
Compass, astrolabe, maps and other technologies from Islamic culture all helped make explorations possible
8.2A Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America.

5. Growth in Trade
In the Middle Ages Marco Polo ( ) returned from China and pushed for an increase in trade with the outside world
8.2A Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America

6. Why did Europeans suddenly want to explore?
Emergence of Powerful European Rulers
Wanted to extend their influence through exploration.
Desire for Profits
Capitalist economy was just emerging and people were seeing new wealth from investment and trade.
Religious Enthusiasm
Missionaries from Spain and Portugal sought to spread Christianity
8.2A Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America

7. God
Europeans have always felt it was their godly duty to spread Christianity and convert non-believers to their form of Christianity.
Colonization of the new world will become a race to convert native peoples to a particular brand of Christianity
Jesuits (Catholics) are some of the most active
People came to the New World to be able to practice their religion without fear of persecution
8.2A Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America
Bring up Martin Luther , John Calvin, and King Henry VIII

8. GOLD
Gold was a hot item that explorers were looking for, but remember that it is really wealth, not just literal gold that explorers were after.
Europe needed gold (and silver) to fuel the rising banking system
Europeans also desired spices
Other natural resources would come to be sold for profit as well (timber, sugar, tobacco, ivory, etc.)
This competition will be enhanced by the idea of mercantilism, the idea that there is only so much wealth in the world, and that to make your kingdom strong you must have more gold and wealth than the other kingdoms
8.2A Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America

9. Mercantilism
Governments need raw materials for products produced in the nation. They get the raw materials from the colonies at a low price that they use to make a product that they sell back to the colonies at a high price. Governments controlled corporations and trading companies.
Governments regulated production so nation could be exporting more than it imported.
Sought exclusive trading rights with foreign powers and “new world,” which led to rivalries with other European powers.
8.2A Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America

10. Glory
Just like the first G, Gold, Glory was a relatively new idea in Europe
Came out of the Renaissance ideal of Humanism, and the focus on individual achievement
With the rise of the printing press, the idea of gaining fame for one’s actions was more possible
Also, individual kings wanted glory for their kingdoms, competition spreads
Spanish colonies were very successful in bringing wealth and pride to Spain, so England and France wanted the same thing.
Workers/Farmers: wanted to move up the social ladder.
8.2A Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America
The Triumph of Fame, a Flemish tapestry from 1502.

11. Where were the Europeans trying to get to during the Age of Exploration?
Most European explorers were trying to find a quick and safe route to Asia
Lucrative trade (spices, silks, etc.)
Break Ottoman monopoly of the trade routes
Later, America (Latin America specifically) would become a source of great wealth

12. Effects of European Exploration
Spanish Explorers claimed “New Spain” which is present day Mexico.
France set up Fur trade with the Native American in “New France which was Ohio River valley to the Mississippi River and up into Canada.
England claimed the land along the Atlantic Ocean called it the thirteen colonies.

13. Exploration led to colonization of the new world which shifted wealth and power away from the Mediterranean region to the countries of Western Europe toward Spain, England and France.
Spain was enriched by American gold and silver. Spanish colonies were very successful in bringing wealth and pride to Spain. England rulers desired to stake a claim for lands and riches to match Spain’s wealth.