Age of Discovery

Definition

The Age of Discovery, spanning roughly from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, was a period characterized by European exploration and colonization of new territories across the globe. This era was driven by advancements in navigation, a desire for trade, and competition among European powers, significantly shaping global interactions and economies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Discovery was initiated by significant voyages like those of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and Vasco da Gama in 1498, leading to the first direct contacts between Europe and the Americas and Asia.
2. European nations began establishing colonies, which often resulted in the exploitation and displacement of indigenous populations.
3. Advancements in cartography and navigation technology, including the compass and astrolabe, were essential in enabling long oceanic voyages during this period.
4. The Age of Discovery led to the Columbian Exchange, which facilitated the transfer of goods, crops, animals, and diseases between the New World and the Old World.
5. This period marked the beginning of European imperialism, with powers like Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands competing for dominance in global trade routes.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in navigation contribute to the success of explorers during the Age of Discovery?
  • Advancements in navigation were crucial for explorers during the Age of Discovery. Innovations like the caravel allowed for faster and more maneuverable ships, while tools such as the compass and astrolabe enabled sailors to determine their position at sea more accurately. These technological improvements allowed European powers to undertake longer voyages across unknown waters, ultimately leading to significant discoveries and establishing overseas colonies.
• Evaluate the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas on Spanish and Portuguese colonial ambitions during the Age of Discovery.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas significantly impacted Spanish and Portuguese colonial ambitions by effectively dividing newly discovered lands between the two nations. This agreement allowed Spain to focus on exploring and colonizing much of Central and South America while Portugal concentrated on its territories in Africa and Asia. The treaty not only facilitated their expansion but also set a precedent for European powers claiming territories based on treaties rather than indigenous consent, impacting indigenous populations across continents.
• Analyze how the Age of Discovery reshaped global economies and established patterns of imperialism that would influence future historical developments.
  • The Age of Discovery fundamentally reshaped global economies by establishing trade networks that linked Europe with Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The introduction of mercantilism fostered a competition among European nations to amass wealth through trade monopolies and colonial exploitation. This era laid the groundwork for modern capitalism and globalization, as goods like sugar, tobacco, and precious metals flowed into Europe from colonies. The patterns of imperialism established during this time would have long-lasting effects on world history, including conflicts over territory, cultural exchanges, and economic dependencies that continue to shape international relations today.

Related terms

Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century that was crucial for long-distance exploration.

Treaty of Tordesillas:

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe along a meridian, influencing colonization patterns.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory prevalent in the Age of Discovery, advocating that national strength could be maximized by limiting imports via tariffs and maximizing exports.