The Age of Exploration was a pivotal era marked by European nations' pursuit of trade dominance and the establishment of new maritime routes. This period saw the Portuguese and Spanish empires expand their reach through advancements in maritime technology, such as the caravel and astrolabe, and the sponsorship of exploratory voyages by figures like Prince Henry the Navigator. Key events included the discovery of the Americas by Columbus, the Treaty of Tordesillas, and the integration of global trade networks.
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The Portuguese, led by Prince Henry the Navigator, sponsored voyages to find new trade routes and allies, ultimately aiming to access the wealth of the Indies' spice trade
Caravel
The development of the caravel, a nimble ship with advanced features such as a sternpost-mounted rudder and lateen sails, greatly aided Portuguese explorers in their voyages
Astrolabe and Cartography
The introduction of the astrolabe and improved cartography allowed for more accurate navigation and increased confidence in explorers' abilities
Undeterred by maritime myths, Portuguese explorers progressively ventured further along the African coast, eventually establishing trading posts and exploring the Congo River
Spain, driven by similar ambitions as Portugal, embarked on its own exploratory endeavors, leading to competition between the two nations
Christopher Columbus, financed by the Spanish monarchy, sought a westward route to the Indies and instead discovered the Americas, leading to Spanish colonial expansion
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, greatly influencing the colonial division of the Americas
The discovery of new lands and establishment of colonies by European nations greatly expanded their influence and control over global trade
The exploration and colonization efforts of European nations facilitated the creation of new trade routes, connecting diverse economies and societies
The exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between European nations and the lands they discovered laid the foundation for today's globalized world
00
In 1415, the ______ began their period of overseas expansion by taking over Ceuta.
Portuguese
01
Prince Henry the Navigator was instrumental in promoting journeys that led to the discovery of the ______ and ______ islands.
Madeira
Azores
02
The explorations during the Age of Exploration were partly aimed at finding new ways to trade with West Africa, bypassing ______-controlled land routes.
Muslim
