1. Age of Exploration Test Review
World History Studies

2. Ottoman Empire Gained control of most land routes to East Asia
Held virtual monopoly on trade between Europe & Asia
Controlled many trade routes
Because of this, European nations sought new routes to avoid Ottoman
Primarily practiced Islam, but was allowed people to follow their own religion

3. TRADE Establishment of colonies increased trade and wealth
New products brought back with Crusaders began Europe’s Commercial Revolution
Capitalism – economic theory that emerged tail-end of Europe’s Commercial Revolution
Columbian Exchange – triangular trade between Europe, Africa & America’s that helped cultural diffusion;
Diversity of food available; weapons; health improvement in Europe
Increased agricultural production in North America
New destructive disease because the Natives had no chance to build up immunity
Atlantic Slave Trade – increased violence and warfare in West Africa
War killed millions; millions enslaved; slave trade intensified

4. “New World”
Exploration spurred by European’s thirst to gain riches (economic opportunity with Colonization), find adventure and spread religion
Cortes & Pizarro – explored for the Spanish and opened the New World for future Spanish Colonization;
Mercantilism – new precious metals discovered and used for financial capital
Led to colonization

5. Aztecs, Mayans, Incans Did not have the weaponry of Conquistadors;
Aztecs – empire built through trade and war
Inca located on the coast of South America (Peru~) in the Andes Mountains
Architect achievement were roads and bridges
Quipu – system of record keeping
Maya located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico
Astronomy – calculated the length of the year based on the sun; accurate calendar; math system that used 0

6. ASIA
Dutch Republics geographic location helped it compete for trade with Asia
Marco Polo – Venetian explorer promoted exploration of East Asia
Portuguese had superior ships and were now able to enter the Indian Ocean trade network;
Ming Dynasty – expected tribute payments from neighboring nations to show power
China exchanged porcelain and silk for silver
Ming’s build-up of military and navy controlled trade in the Pacific and Indian Oceans