Motives for European Exploration

Expansion of Trade A. Crusades opened Europe up to the riches and technology of the Far and Middle East. B. Northern Italy – Venice, Genoa dominated Far East trade C. Travels of Marco Polo (not the swimming pool game) stimulated interest in Asia D. Hanseatic League – German and Scandinavian cities along the Baltic Sea E. Products and profits from Asia (silks, spices) spurred interest in Far East trade. Remember the Silk Road from World History class F. Expansion of the Merchant Class in Europe – new source of wealth and power to support kings which assisted in weakening the power of feudal lords.

Far East Trade Routes – 1400s

Technology A. Compass – navigation tool for finding direction on the ocean B. Gunpowder – military advantage for subduing native peoples C. Astrolabe – navigation tool using the stars to locate ones’ position in the ocean D. caravel (ship) – hull design and sails allowed ships to sail the oceans E. moveable type – Gutenberg press allowed information to spread more easily F. cartography – map making improved G. Prince Henry (Portugal) – founded a navigation school

Technology that aided navigation and exploration Compass Astrolabe Caravel Ship

Geography – Atlantic replaces Mediterranean as center of trade Rise of Nation States Spain – Ferdinand and Isabella (Reconquista 1492) England – Elizabeth I France Geography – Atlantic replaces Mediterranean as center of trade A) Nations involved in global exploration and trade all had Atlantic Ocean ports – Spain, Portugal, England, France, Netherlands (Dutch)

Unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella and the Reconquista

Portuguese Explorers – African gold and slaves Renaissance and Humanism – revival started new way of thinking that human possibilities were unlimited, spurred new schools   Portuguese Explorers – African gold and slaves A. Bartholomew Diaz – Cape of Good Hope 1488 B. Vasco da Gama – India 1498 Columbus – “Enterprise of the Indies” A. Four voyages (Caribbean) B. Reports of wealth and slaves (Indians) spurs the Spanish invasion of America C. Intercontinental Exchange or Columbian Exchange D. Amerigo Vespucci – Italian geographer whose name is the source of the word America, one of the first to theorize that the New World was not part of Asia.