Age of Exploration

Definition

The Age of Exploration refers to the period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when European powers embarked on extensive overseas exploration, leading to the discovery of new lands and sea routes. This era was characterized by cultural and technological exchanges that transformed societies globally, driven by advancements in maritime technology and the quest for trade routes, wealth, and territory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Exploration was driven by a desire for new trade routes to Asia for spices and luxury goods, prompting nations like Spain and Portugal to explore uncharted territories.
2. Technological advancements such as the astrolabe, magnetic compass, and improvements in ship design allowed sailors to navigate more accurately and venture further into unknown waters.
3. The period resulted in the establishment of European colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, leading to significant cultural exchanges but also exploitation and conflict with indigenous populations.
4. Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan were pivotal figures during this time, making landmark voyages that expanded European knowledge of the world.
5. The consequences of the Age of Exploration included not only increased wealth for European nations but also the spread of diseases to native populations, resulting in dramatic demographic changes.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in maritime technology contribute to the Age of Exploration?
  • Advancements in maritime technology were crucial during the Age of Exploration as they enabled sailors to navigate vast oceans more effectively. Innovations such as the astrolabe allowed for better determination of latitude, while the magnetic compass improved direction-finding at sea. The development of ships like the caravel made it possible to sail faster and more efficiently, facilitating longer voyages that ultimately led to the discovery of new lands and trade routes.
• What were some key cultural exchanges that took place during the Age of Exploration?
  • During the Age of Exploration, significant cultural exchanges occurred between Europe and newly discovered regions. This included the Columbian Exchange, which saw a transfer of plants, animals, and technologies between the Old World and the New World. For example, European crops like wheat were introduced to the Americas while potatoes and tomatoes made their way back to Europe. These exchanges profoundly impacted diets and lifestyles across continents and led to significant social and economic changes.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Age of Exploration on global trade and economic systems.
  • The long-term effects of the Age of Exploration on global trade were transformative, leading to the establishment of a global economy based on mercantilism. As European powers sought to accumulate wealth through colonization and resource extraction, they created extensive trade networks connecting Europe with Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This shift facilitated not only an increase in wealth for European nations but also laid the groundwork for modern capitalism. Additionally, it contributed to systemic inequalities that would persist for centuries as colonized regions faced exploitation and marginalization within these global economic systems.

Related terms

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

Columbian Exchange:

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that dominated European thought in the 16th to 18th centuries, emphasizing the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonial expansion.