Age of Discovery

Definition

The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, refers to the period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when European powers explored and mapped much of the world, leading to significant global interactions and exchanges. This era was marked by advancements in navigation and maritime technology, which enabled explorers to venture into previously uncharted territories, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Discovery is often associated with key figures like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan, who made groundbreaking voyages that expanded European knowledge of the world.
2. This period saw significant technological advancements in navigation, including the use of the compass and astrolabe, which made long sea voyages more feasible.
3. European powers established trade routes and colonies, which facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between different parts of the world.
4. The encounters between Europeans and indigenous peoples during this time often led to significant cultural exchanges but also to conflict, exploitation, and disease outbreaks among native populations.
5. The Age of Discovery laid the groundwork for a new global economy, as European nations sought resources and wealth from their colonies, leading to increased competition and rivalries.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements contribute to the exploration efforts during the Age of Discovery?
  • Technological advancements played a critical role in enhancing exploration during the Age of Discovery. Innovations such as the compass and astrolabe improved navigation accuracy, allowing sailors to venture farther from shore with greater confidence. Additionally, ship designs like caravels were more suited for long voyages across open oceans. These technologies enabled explorers to discover new lands, establish trade routes, and connect diverse cultures across the globe.
• Discuss the impact of European exploration on indigenous populations during the Age of Discovery.
  • European exploration had profound effects on indigenous populations during the Age of Discovery. While there were instances of cultural exchange and trade, many encounters led to exploitation, conflict, and significant population decline due to introduced diseases such as smallpox. Colonization efforts often disregarded existing social structures and resulted in land dispossession. The consequences of these interactions have had lasting impacts on indigenous communities and their histories.
• Evaluate how mercantilism influenced European powers' motivations for exploration during the Age of Discovery.
  • Mercantilism significantly influenced European powers' motivations for exploration during the Age of Discovery by promoting the idea that wealth and resources were limited and needed to be controlled for national prosperity. European nations sought new trade routes to access valuable commodities such as spices, gold, and silver while establishing colonies that would provide raw materials. This competitive mindset fueled a race among nations to acquire territories and expand their influence globally, shaping political dynamics and economic policies for centuries.

Related terms

Christopher Columbus: An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonization, significantly influencing European nations during the Age of Discovery.

Treaty of Tordesillas: An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two powers along a meridian.