Age of Discovery

Definition

The Age of Discovery refers to a period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century characterized by European exploration and the expansion of trade routes across the globe. This era was marked by significant maritime explorations, leading to the discovery of new lands, the establishment of trade networks, and the exchange of goods and cultures. It played a crucial role in shaping global history and laid the foundation for European imperialism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Discovery was spurred by technological advancements such as the compass, astrolabe, and improved ship designs like the caravel, enabling longer sea voyages.
2. Prominent figures during this era include explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan, each contributing to significant discoveries and trade routes.
3. European powers such as Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands competed fiercely for dominance in trade and territorial claims during this period.
4. The Age of Discovery resulted in significant cultural exchanges between Europe and indigenous peoples in newly discovered regions, often leading to both collaboration and conflict.
5. This era also initiated a wave of colonization that would have lasting impacts on global demographics, economies, and cultural landscapes.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements influence exploration during the Age of Discovery?
  • Technological advancements played a pivotal role in facilitating exploration during the Age of Discovery. Innovations such as the compass and astrolabe enabled sailors to navigate more accurately across vast oceans. Improved ship designs like the caravel made it possible for explorers to undertake longer voyages into uncharted waters. These advancements not only increased the range of exploration but also enhanced European nations' abilities to establish trade routes and colonies worldwide.
• Discuss the impact of the Columbian Exchange on both Europe and the Americas during the Age of Discovery.
  • The Columbian Exchange had profound effects on both Europe and the Americas during the Age of Discovery. For Europe, it introduced new crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and maize that contributed to population growth and agricultural diversity. Conversely, the Americas experienced significant changes due to European colonization, including exposure to new diseases that decimated indigenous populations. This exchange fundamentally altered diets, economies, and societies on both sides of the Atlantic.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Age of Discovery on global trade patterns and colonialism.
  • The Age of Discovery established new global trade patterns that have continued to influence economies to this day. The establishment of trade routes allowed for the exchange of goods between continents but also laid the groundwork for colonialism. European powers exploited resources in newly discovered territories while imposing their governance on indigenous populations. This set a precedent for economic exploitation that fueled European empires and transformed global commerce, leading to unequal power dynamics that persist in modern times.

Related terms

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

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade, particularly gold and silver, and the belief that national strength is directly related to a nation's wealth.

Cartography: The science and art of map-making, which advanced significantly during the Age of Discovery as explorers sought to navigate and document newly discovered lands.