Marco’s Influence: * In 1492, Christopher Columbus sets off across Atlantic in hopes of finding new route to the Orient … with him was copy of Marco Polo's book

Age of Discovery (Exploration) Columbus’ success led other European countries to step up their own search for trade partners, goods & trade routes … allowing certain European nations (Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Dutch) to emerge as powerful factors in globalization & cultural development

Motives for New Exploration Nations looking for goods like silver & gold … And desired to find new routes for the Spice & Silk trade Ottomans took control of Constantinople … Blocking access to trade on Silk Road ... Blocking access to Red Sea - major trade route to Far East

Portuguese: “Caravel” Chinese: “Junk” Ship Portuguese: “Caravel” Ship

Experienced Sailors Several expeditions around Africa - gaining knowledge of currents and trade winds Knowledgeable in use of sextant & astrolabe

Kingdom of Portugal Establish coastal ports West Africa and South Africa = Cape of Good Hope Created an Eastern route to India ... so as to avoid going through Middle East Sent diplomatic envoys to China & Japan Discovered route (using Atlantic Current) to South America - then colonized Brazil

Portuguese Trade Route to India

Monopolize Spice Trade *Control European trade in Indian Ocean … establishing many coastal Trade Ports *Taking advantage of Religious rivalries … Muslim v Hindu throughout Asia Minor