What factors led to and what technology helped European exploration of the world?

What was the Age of Exploration?The Age of Exploration

was a period when European expanded outside their borders

1400’s – 1800’s

Previously Europe had been extremely isolated from the rest of the world w/ a few exceptions

Marco Polo in China (1275)

Why did Europeans suddenly want to explore?

The motivation of the Europeans was summed up by the 3 G ’s:“God, glory, and gold”

God = Spread of Christianity

Glory = Claiming new areas for their monarchs

Gold = finding wealth

Europe

Africa

Asia

Where were the Europeans trying to go?

Most European explorers were trying to find a quick and safe route to Asia

Lucrative trade (spices, silks, etc.)

Break Ottoman monopoly of the trade routes

Later, America (Latin America) would become a source of great wealth

Who were the big players in the Age of Exploration?

Several major players:

Spain / Portugal Treaty of Tordesillas

Line of Demarcation

English FrenchDutch

Cortes’ arrival in Mexico (1518)

Coronado’s “wild goose chase”(1540-42)

Pizzaro’s kidnapping of the Incan emperor (1520’s)

Why was Europe so successful at exploration?

European were the most successful at exploration due to technology:

New ship designs (caravel) Able to sail into the wind

New navigation technology Astrolabe Magnetic compass