Magellan

Definition

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer best known for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe from 1519 to 1522. His journey not only demonstrated the vastness of the Earth but also opened up new trade routes and provided significant insights into geography and navigation, marking a turning point in global exploration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Magellan set sail from Spain in 1519 with five ships, aiming to find a new route to the Spice Islands in Indonesia.
2. He discovered the Strait of Magellan, a navigable sea route located at the southern tip of South America, which is named after him.
3. Although Magellan died in the Philippines in 1521 during a conflict with local tribes, his expedition continued under Juan Sebastián Elcano and successfully returned to Spain in 1522.
4. The journey took nearly three years and covered approximately 42,000 miles, providing valuable information about the world's oceans and continents.
5. Magellan's expedition is considered one of the greatest maritime achievements in history, as it proved that the Earth was round and that it was possible to sail around it.

Review Questions

• How did Magellan's expedition contribute to our understanding of global geography?
  • Magellan's expedition was crucial for enhancing global geographical knowledge. By successfully circumnavigating the globe, it provided concrete evidence that the Earth is round and significantly broadened understanding of Earth's size and the vastness of its oceans. The voyage mapped previously unknown territories and established new maritime routes, paving the way for future exploration and trade.
• Evaluate the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas in relation to Magellan's voyage and its outcomes.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas was significant for Magellan's voyage because it established clear territorial claims between Spain and Portugal. This agreement influenced Magellan's route as he sought a passage that would align with Spanish interests while avoiding Portuguese-controlled territories. As a result, his journey not only aimed at exploration but also at asserting Spain's position in global trade, especially regarding access to spices.
• Assess how Magellan's journey impacted European exploration and trade patterns in the years following his voyage.
  • Magellan's journey had a profound impact on European exploration and trade by demonstrating the feasibility of global navigation. After his expedition, European powers were motivated to pursue similar voyages, leading to increased exploration of new territories and expansion of trade networks. The successful circumnavigation opened new routes for commerce, particularly in spices and other valuable goods from Asia, reshaping economic dynamics and encouraging competition among emerging maritime powers.

Related terms

Circumnavigation: The act of traveling all the way around the world, which Magellan's expedition achieved, proving that the Earth could be navigated by sea.

Treaty of Tordesillas: An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them, influencing Magellan's voyage and subsequent explorations.

Spice Trade: The lucrative trade in spices, which was a major motivation behind Magellan's expedition, as he sought to find a westward route to the spice-rich islands of Southeast Asia.