European Quest for Trade Dominance and the Age of Exploration
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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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European Quest for Trade Dominance and the Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration, beginning in the 15th century, was marked by European nations' pursuit of trade dominance through the control of maritime routes. The Portuguese, leading this charge, captured Ceuta in 1415, initiating a period of overseas expansion. Prince Henry the Navigator, driven by the goal of finding new trade routes and allies, sponsored voyages that reached the Madeira and Azores islands. These explorations aimed to circumvent the Muslim-dominated land routes by establishing direct sea trade with West Africa and to access the wealth of the Indies' spice trade.Advancements in Maritime Technology and Navigation
The Portuguese advancements in maritime technology, particularly the development of the caravel, were pivotal to their exploratory achievements. This nimble ship, with its sternpost-mounted rudder and lateen sails, was well-suited for coastal navigation and open sea voyages. The introduction of the astrolabe and improved cartography enhanced celestial navigation, although the problem of accurately determining longitude persisted. These innovations allowed explorers to venture further with greater confidence in their navigational abilities.Portuguese Exploration and the Quest for a Sea Route to Asia
Portuguese explorers, undeterred by maritime myths, progressively explored the African coast. The rounding of Cape Bojador by Gil Eanes in 1434 dispelled fears of sea monsters and impassable waters, encouraging further expeditions. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the Papal bull Romanus Pontifex in 1455, granting Portugal exploration rights, intensified the search for a sea route to Asia. Notable milestones included the establishment of the São Jorge da Mina trading post and Diogo Cão's exploration of the Congo River, edging closer to the goal of reaching the Indies by sea.Spanish Rivalry and Columbus's Voyage to the Americas
Spain, motivated by the same ambitions as Portugal, embarked on its own exploratory endeavors. The unification of the Spanish kingdoms and the conquest of Granada in 1492 provided the impetus for overseas exploration. Christopher Columbus, financed by the Spanish monarchy, sought a westward route to the Indies. His 1492 voyage resulted in the European discovery of the Americas, initiating Spanish colonial expansion and altering the course of history.The Treaty of Tordesillas and the Division of the New World
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, was a pivotal agreement between Spain and Portugal to delineate their respective spheres of influence in the New World. This treaty, drawn along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands, granted Portugal rights to its African, Asian, and Brazilian claims, while Spain received the vast majority of the Americas. Although not recognized by other European nations, the treaty significantly influenced the colonial division of the New World.Continued Exploration and the Impact on Global Trade
The Age of Exploration had far-reaching impacts on global trade and the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas. The Portuguese discovery of Brazil in 1500 by Pedro Álvares Cabral and the Spanish conquests in South America expanded European influence. These voyages and subsequent colonization efforts facilitated the creation of new trade routes and the integration of diverse economies and societies, laying the foundation for today's globalized world.
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Age of Exploration
Portuguese Expansion
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
Advancements in Maritime Technology and Navigation
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
Portuguese Exploration and the Quest for a Sea Route to Asia
Undeterred by maritime myths, Portuguese explorers progressively ventured further along the African coast, eventually establishing trading posts and exploring the Congo River
Spanish Exploration
Motivations and Rivalry with Portugal
Spain, driven by similar ambitions as Portugal, embarked on its own exploratory endeavors, leading to competition between the two nations
Columbus's Voyage to the Americas
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 and the Division of the New World
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, greatly influencing the colonial division of the Americas
Impact on Global Trade
Expansion of European Influence
The discovery of new lands and establishment of colonies by European nations greatly expanded their influence and control over global trade
Creation of New Trade Routes
The exploration and colonization efforts of European nations facilitated the creation of new trade routes, connecting diverse economies and societies
Integration of Cultures 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
European Quest for Trade Dominance and the Age of Exploration
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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
