European maritime expansion

Definition

European maritime expansion refers to the period from the 15th to the 17th centuries when European powers sought to explore, conquer, and establish trade routes across the oceans. This era was marked by advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and a strong desire for wealth and resources, leading to the establishment of overseas empires and global trade networks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The quest for new trade routes was driven by a desire for spices, gold, and other valuable commodities from Asia, which were highly sought after in Europe.
2. Technological advancements, such as the astrolabe, compass, and more durable ships like the caravel, greatly enhanced navigation and exploration capabilities.
3. Key figures like Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal played a vital role in sponsoring expeditions that mapped uncharted waters along the African coast.
4. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, highlighting the competitive nature of maritime expansion.
5. The establishment of trading posts and colonies around the globe laid the groundwork for European dominance in global trade, significantly impacting indigenous populations.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements contribute to European maritime expansion during the Age of Discovery?
  • Technological advancements were crucial to European maritime expansion, allowing explorers to navigate uncharted waters with greater confidence. Innovations such as the astrolabe improved navigation by enabling sailors to determine their latitude at sea. The development of more seaworthy ships like caravels allowed for longer voyages and better handling in rough waters. These advancements collectively opened up new trade routes and opportunities for conquest.
• Analyze the impact of European maritime expansion on indigenous populations in newly discovered territories.
  • European maritime expansion had profound effects on indigenous populations, often resulting in significant social, cultural, and economic disruption. As Europeans established colonies and trading posts, they imposed their own systems of governance and trade practices, leading to exploitation of local resources. Many indigenous communities faced violence, displacement, or forced labor due to colonization. Additionally, diseases brought by Europeans decimated native populations who had no immunity to these new illnesses.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of European maritime expansion on global trade patterns and international relations.
  • The long-term consequences of European maritime expansion fundamentally altered global trade patterns and international relations. The establishment of vast colonial empires enabled European powers to control key trade routes and resources, leading to wealth accumulation and economic dominance. This shift also fostered competition among European nations that shaped international relations well into modern times. Furthermore, it set the stage for globalization, connecting distant economies and cultures while also leading to tensions that would culminate in conflicts over territories and resources in later centuries.

Related terms

Age of Discovery:

A historical period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century characterized by European exploration and the discovery of new lands, primarily motivated by trade and expansion.

Colonialism:

The practice of establishing control over foreign territories and exploiting their resources, often accompanied by settlement and cultural imposition.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes government regulation of a nation's economy to augment state power at the expense of rival national powers, often through colonial acquisition.