Age of Discovery

Definition

The Age of Discovery was a period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century marked by European exploration and the expansion of maritime trade routes across the globe. This era saw European powers, primarily Spain and Portugal, venture into uncharted waters, leading to significant technological advancements in navigation and shipbuilding that enabled long-distance sea voyages. These explorations not only connected continents but also initiated cultural exchanges and had profound impacts on global trade and colonization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Discovery began in earnest after Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, which led to European awareness of the Americas.
2. Technological advancements during this period included improvements in navigational instruments like the astrolabe and the development of more durable ships.
3. Portugal was a leader in early exploration, with figures like Prince Henry the Navigator promoting voyages along the African coast and to Asia.
4. The discoveries made during this era led to the establishment of trade routes that transformed global commerce and introduced new goods to Europe.
5. The Age of Discovery also resulted in significant cultural exchanges but also brought about devastating consequences for indigenous populations through disease and colonization.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements during the Age of Discovery influence European maritime exploration?
  • Technological advancements played a crucial role in shaping European maritime exploration during the Age of Discovery. Innovations such as the astrolabe improved navigation accuracy, allowing sailors to determine their position at sea more effectively. The development of the caravel made it easier for explorers to travel longer distances and navigate through difficult waters. These advancements enabled European powers to embark on ambitious voyages that connected different parts of the world, opening new trade routes and expanding their influence across oceans.
• Evaluate the economic impacts of mercantilism as it emerged during the Age of Discovery.
  • Mercantilism emerged as a dominant economic theory during the Age of Discovery, focusing on national power through wealth accumulation. European nations aimed to establish colonies to secure resources and create favorable trade balances. This led to intense competition among powers such as Spain and Portugal for territorial control. The establishment of trade networks facilitated wealth generation for these nations but also resulted in exploitative practices towards colonized regions, significantly impacting global trade dynamics and colonial economies.
• Analyze how the Age of Discovery altered global interactions and what lasting effects it had on world history.
  • The Age of Discovery fundamentally altered global interactions by establishing direct links between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This period saw an exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures known as the Columbian Exchange, which reshaped diets and economies worldwide. However, it also had lasting negative effects, including colonization, exploitation, and significant population declines among indigenous peoples due to diseases brought by Europeans. The consequences of this age set in motion patterns of globalization that continue to influence economic and cultural exchanges today.

Related terms

Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese that played a key role in maritime exploration.

Mercantilism: An economic theory and practice that emerged in the 16th century, emphasizing the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and the establishment of colonies.

Columbian Exchange: The widespread transfer of plants, animals, cultures, human populations, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World following Christopher Columbus's voyages.