Europeans Explore the East 1400-1800 Chapter 3 Section 1

Main Ideas Economics fueled the age of exploration, and the consequences included worldwide interaction among people of many cultures. The voyages of Columbus prompted a worldwide exchange of everything from religious and political ideas to new foods and plants.

Introduction By the early 1400s, Europeans were ready to explore the world. The Renaissance encouraged adventure and curiosity. This curiosity encouraged Europeans to explore the world beyond their borders.

For “God, Glory & Gold” The three Gs God- to spread religion Glory- for personal fame Gold- for riches By the 1400s, the desire to grow rich and spread Christianity, paired with sailing advancements, spurred an age of European exploration.

Europeans Seek New Trade Routes Main reason for European exploration: Desire for new sources of wealth. Asia: Trade of spices and luxuries. Introduced during the Crusades (1096-1270), Europeans still demanded them centuries later. Supply and demand: What do you think happened to the prices?

The Spread of Christianity After the Crusades, there was hostility between Christians and Muslims. Europeans felt they had a duty to continue fighting Muslims and to convert non-Christians. Bartolomeu Dias – Portuguese explorer. “To serve God and His Majesty, to give light to those who were in darkness and to grow rich as all men desire to do.”

Technology Makes Exploration Possible Before the 1400s, European ships could not sail against the wind. Problems? Solution: Development of triangular sails. Navigational techniques improved. Astrolabe – allowed captains to calculate latitude. Magnetic compass – track direction.

Portugal Leads the Way Leader in development and application of sailing innovations. First to establish trading posts on west coast of Africa. WHY? Pushed farther east in Indian Ocean. Portugal also had strong government support.

The Portuguese Explore Africa Henry the Conqueror Determined to find the source of such treasures. Founded a navigation school. Established trade posts along western shore of Africa. Eventually traded for African slaves. Next move? Trade route to Asia.

Spain Also Makes Claims Spain was getting envious of Portugal. 1492, Christopher Columbus’ idea? Reach Asia by sailing west across Atlantic. What actually happened? Spain financed his plan. Reached a Caribbean island but thought it was the East Indies Was he a complete failure?

Spain/Portugal Solution? 1493, Pope Alexander, IV suggested: Line of Demarcation – imaginary line drawn from north to south across the Atlantic Purpose? – Everything west of line would be Spain’s; everything east of line would be Portugal’s. Line shifted to give modern-day Brazil to Portugal. Signed the Treaty of Tordesillas – agreeing to honor the line.

Portugal’s Success Broke the Muslim-Italian domination on trade. Could bring back goods from Asia at 1/5 the cost of buying them through merchants. Result? More Europeans could afford the items. Others wanted to follow in Portugal’s steps.

Other Nations Challenge the Portuguese By 1600, the English and Dutch began to challenge Portugal’s dominance over the Indian Ocean trade. Spain ruled the Netherlands from the early 1500s to 1581. The Netherlands became a leading sea power.

The Dutch By 1600, they owned 20,000 vessels (the most in the world). They both had formed an East India Company to establish a direct trade throughout Asia. Minted money, made treaties and raised their own armies. Who won? The Dutch