The Age of Exploration

Europe looks outward.

The Age of Exploration

• A period of European voyages of exploration and discovery, long-distance trade and commerce, and the outward expansion of European power (colonialism) and influence.

• Many areas of the world, which before had been unaware of each other’s existence, now came into contact with each other.

British Empire

French Empire

Spanish Empire

Portuguese Empire

DUTCH EMPIRE

Areas of the world colonized by Europeans: 1400-1925

Things Brought to Other Regions of the World

• European cultural attitudes.

• Religion

• Ideas on government.

• Technology.

• Language

• Portugal

• Spain

• France

• England

• Netherlands

ATLANTIC POWERS:

France

Spain

Eng

Portugal

Neth

The Rise of the Atlantic Rim

• In the 16th Century, the economic and political center of power of Europe shifted to the Atlantic Rim. Why do you think this happened?

• In formulating your response, think of what you have learned about the following: the rise of trade and towns, the rise of national monarchies, the political condition of Italy, the Protestant Reformation.

Spice Trade Before 15th Century

• ITALY: East Mediterranean

• PORTUGAL: South around Africa

• SPAIN: West across the Atlantic

• ENG/FR/NETH: Northwest Passage

FOUR ROUTES to the EAST

Portuguese Caravel

• Caravel: New type of heavy ship

• Multiple sails: Efficient use of wind

Iberian Peninsula in the 15th Century

Surrender of Granada

Spain gets into the act…

Columbus sails west across the Atlantic Ocean seeking Asia

Search for the Northwest passage

The Spanish in Mexico

Quetzalcoatl

Tenochtitlan

Aztec Temple of the Warriors

Aztec Human Sacrifice

IMPACT ON HUMAN POPULATIONS:

•Population decline in the Americas

•Population rise globally

•Population shifts

AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE

• 40% Caribbean Islands• 36% Brazil• 20% Spanish America• 4% British America

TEN MILLION AFRICANS

Slaves

RawMaterials

Finished goods

Mercantililism

• Closed economic system• Designed to enrich the “mother country”• Colonies provide raw materials• Mother country supplies finished goods• Goal=favorable balance of trade• Inefficient• Smuggling• Resentment