Global Maritime Exploration

Definition

Global Maritime Exploration refers to the extensive sea voyages undertaken by various civilizations during the period from 1200 to 1450, aimed at discovering new trade routes, lands, and resources. These explorations were driven by a desire for wealth, particularly in spices and luxury goods, leading to increased cultural exchanges and the establishment of trade networks that connected different parts of the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The period of Global Maritime Exploration saw European powers, especially Portugal and Spain, leading the way in discovering new sea routes and territories.
2. Technological advancements, such as the caravel and navigational instruments like the astrolabe, played a crucial role in enabling longer and safer sea voyages.
3. The desire for spices, silk, and other luxury goods from Asia significantly motivated maritime explorations, leading to direct trade connections between Europe and Asia.
4. Explorations resulted in the establishment of new trade networks that linked Africa, Europe, Asia, and later the Americas, dramatically changing global trade dynamics.
5. The encounters between different civilizations during this period often led to significant cultural exchanges, but also had devastating effects on indigenous populations through colonization and disease.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements influence Global Maritime Exploration during the period from 1200 to 1450?
  • Technological advancements were vital to Global Maritime Exploration, as innovations like the caravel allowed for faster and more maneuverable ships. The astrolabe provided sailors with essential tools for navigation, helping them determine their latitude at sea. These developments enabled explorers to undertake longer journeys across oceans, paving the way for increased interaction between different cultures and expanding trade routes.
• What were the primary motivations behind the Global Maritime Exploration undertaken by European powers during this time?
  • The primary motivations for Global Maritime Exploration included the pursuit of wealth through trade in spices and luxury goods from Asia. European powers sought new trade routes that bypassed overland routes controlled by rival empires. Additionally, there was a desire to spread Christianity and expand territorial claims. These motivations drove explorers like Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus on their groundbreaking voyages.
• Evaluate the impact of Global Maritime Exploration on indigenous populations encountered during this era.
  • Global Maritime Exploration had profound and often devastating impacts on indigenous populations. The arrival of European explorers brought new diseases to which native populations had no immunity, leading to catastrophic declines in their numbers. Additionally, colonization efforts resulted in the exploitation of resources and disruption of traditional ways of life. While some cultural exchanges occurred, many indigenous peoples faced violence, enslavement, or displacement as European powers expanded their empires.

Related terms

Caravel:

A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese that allowed for longer voyages and exploration.

Trade Routes: Established paths used for the exchange of goods between regions, which became increasingly important as maritime exploration expanded global trade.

Astrolabe:

An ancient instrument used by sailors to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, helping them navigate during their voyages.