- History Teresa Cuellar
Imagine you are an explorer in the 15th century embarking on a journey to discover new lands beyond the known world. What motivates you to undertake this risky and uncertain voyage? Consider the potential rewards, challenges, and the impact on your home country.
From the 1400s to the 1700s, Europe experienced an “Age of Exploration”
As a result of exploration, European nations grew powerful & spread their influence throughout the world
A desire for new sources of wealth was the main reason for European exploration
Merchants began looking for quick, direct trade routes to Asia to avoid Muslim & Italian merchants & increase profits
The Crusades & Renaissance stimulated European desires for exotic Asian luxury goods
The Crusades and Renaissance stimulated European desires for exotic Asian luxury goods.
a) True b) False
A desire for new sources of wealth was the main reason for European exploration.
a) True b) False
Kings who sponsored voyages of exploration gained overseas colonies, new sources of wealth for their nation, & increased power
Exploration presented Europeans the opportunity to rise from poverty and gain fame, fortune, & status
European Christians, especially Catholics, wanted to stop the spread of Islam & convert non-Christians to the faith
Explorers were encouraged to spread Christianity or bring missionaries who would focus only on conversions
What opportunity did exploration present to Europeans?
a) Economic stability
b) Political unity
c) Rise from poverty, gain fame, fortune, and status
d) Military superiority
What was a significant religious motivation for European Christians, especially Catholics, during exploration?
a) Spread of Buddhism
b) Expansion of Judaism
c) Stop the spread of Islam and convert non-Christians to the faith
d) Promotion of Hinduism
Trade & cultural diffusion during the Renaissance introduced new navigation techniques to Europeans
Magnetic compass made sailing more accurate
Maps were more accurate and used longitude & latitude
Astrolabe used stars to show direction
European shipbuilders built a better ship; The caravel was a strong ship that could travel in the open seas & in shallow water
Caravels had triangular lateen sails that allowed ships to sail against the wind
A moveable rudder made the caravel more maneuverable
Cannons & rifles gave ships protection
In the 1400s, shipbuilders designed a new vessel, the caravel. The caravel was sturdier than earlier vessels