Exploration & Colonization

Why did Europeans seek a direct route to Asia? During the Renaissance, Europe was benefitting from trade from Asia along routes known as the Silk Roads . Because it was a single empire uniting most of Asia, the Silk Roads was extremely important in making sure goods got to Europe from Asia and the East. As a result, goods arriving in Europe were not as expensive as they had been before. Eventually, the Mongol Empire begins to fall apart resulting in small kingdoms emerging along the Silk Roads each wanting a profit from this trade. As a result, by the time goods arrive in the west they are much more expensive than Europeans have become used to. Why did Europeans seek a direct route to Asia?

Which countries were the first to seek a direct sea route to Asia Which countries were the first to seek a direct sea route to Asia? What country finally pays for Columbus to sail west to find a sea route to Asia? The first European countries to explore a westward route to the Indies– Spain and Portugal. In Portugal, Prince Henry will open a school dedicated to navigation. Sailors from Portugal will be the first to find a direct sea route to India by sailing south around the southern tip of Africa. Queen Elizabeth decides to finance Columbus to sail west across the Atlantic to find a direct route to Asia. Spain has three goals for exploring: gold, glory, god.

What were the benefits and draw backs of the Columbian Exchange? Columbus discovers the New World and establishes the first permanent European settlements there. An important contribution of this contract is Columbian Exchange. This the exchange of foods, agricultural products, and cultural between the new and old world that benefits European nations but devastates Native Americans What were the benefits and draw backs of the Columbian Exchange?

Why were Native Americans treated so poorly by the Spanish? Encomienda- right granted to Spanish conquistadors by King to demand labor as tribute from Native Americans. This harsh treatment results in conflict and destruction of Native Americans population. Bartolome De La Casas writes about the horrible treatment in his book History of the Indies which becomes the basis for what is known as the “Black Legend” Why were Native Americans treated so poorly by the Spanish?

What is the goal of mercantilism? Arriving on the scene in the Americas later, France and England are mostly interested in money and business. Mercantilism- economic system where a country wealth is measured in amount or precious metal it possesses What is the goal of mercantilism?

5 parts of Mercantilism: Try to get possessions of as much gold & silver Encourage foreign trade in preference to domestic trade Encourage industries to produce goods you can sell Encourage large population (you will need to work in factories) Let the government watch this process and interfere only when it is necessary Colonies Role: 1) provide raw materials 2)Market for Manufacture goods Why is an agrarian farming society not best for mercantilism? What role do the colonies play in mercantilism?

Navigation Acts Restriction on colonies: Colonies could only export certain products to England Colonies must export raw materials to England only No country could trade with the colonies unless the goods were shipped in either colonial or English ships All vessels had to be operated by crews that were at least three-quarters English or colonial Benefits: 1) Protection, 2) Shipbuilding Industry Begins, “Salutary Neglect”-Loosely Enforced ( Colonies Ruled themselves & Smuggling was permitted) Why did England pass the Navigation Acts? What did England and France hope to gain by following the mercantilist system? What do you think the greatest benefit of the Navigation Acts were to the colonies?

Columbus Activity

Columbus Activity Read the Columbus document and use the annotation symbols as you read. A- make sure you answer the guided questions. Then with a partner, create the chart below and discuss the prompt: “Should Columbus Day be a national holiday in the United States?” Yes No

Watch the 2nd video and record in your chart more reasons to answer the prompt.

Should Columbus Day be a national holiday in the United States? Academic 2 paragraphs- ACES Honors 2-3 paragrapgs- ACECES each paragraph