European Exploration
“Christopher Columbus Departs Spain for the New World, 1492” OPTIC “Christopher Columbus Departs Spain for the New World, 1492”
Spice Trade The desire to reach the east where the goods were found led to improved navigation Italian traders created a monopoly (they controlled prices) in the Holy Land (Muslim traders would trade only with Italian traders) This made goods too expensive for most Europeans
Educated people believed the world was round Portugal-1st to search for an all water route to Asia They sailed south around Africa
Religion as a Cause Most western European nations were Catholic Catholic church controlled by the Pope Pope & the Church felt it necessary to spread Christianity Missionaries left Europe by the thousands to Christianize the world European monarchs charted many voyages with this plan
Spanish Exploration Believed he found Asia Landed on the island of Hispaniola (Haiti) Credited with discovering the Americas Spain wants in on the wealth To share in the rich Asian trade Spread Christianity Fame Gold, Glory, & God Christopher Columbus Sail west to reach Asia King & Queen accept his proposal
Land Disputes in the New World Spain & Portugal fought over new lands Almost came to war Line of Demarcation Line drawn to divide the world between Spain & Portugal Portugal protested the placement of the line Treaty of Tordesillas Moved the Line of Demarcation west Portugal able to settle in New World
Religious Rivalry Reformation of Catholic church led to a new form of Christianity (Protestantism) Did not accept the Pope Caused widespread conflict in Europe England (Protestant) vs Spain (Catholic) Spanish Armada sent to restore control, but was defeated & allowed England to colonize North America
Religious Rivalry in North America Catholics from Spain and French spread faith among Natives Spanish settled in southwest and southeast America French settled in northeast America Dutch and English set up Protestant colonies along Atlantic Coast
Italians, Dutch, & French only interested in trading Northwest Passage Italians, Dutch, & French only interested in trading English fished, (originally) off eastern Canada They created profitable industries (furs/timber)
Mercantilism Economic System Colonies sole purpose to make money for the mother country A favorable balance of trade for mother country Colonies provide raw materials Colonies served as new markets for goods made in the home country