The Atlantic World Chapter Four

The Age of Exploration What was the Age of Exploration? A time period when Europeans began to explore the rest of the world How was this possible? Improvements in mapmaking, shipbuilding, rigging, and navigation made long voyages possible Why do European countries explore? Policy of mercantilism drives exploration Finding new trade routes and trading “partners” were paramount

What is mercantilism? Policy that stated there was a limited amount of money in the world Each country needed to grab what they can before it is gone Export more than you import in order to create a favorable balance of trade Colonies and markets were needed to keep everything in the system

The Explorers Portugal Vasco de Gama Ferdinand Magellan Landed in India in 1498 Established an important trade route from Europe to India and the East Indies Ferdinand Magellan His crew completed the first circumnavigation of the world in 1525 Magellan was killed in the Philippines

Voyage of Vasco de Gama

Magellan’s Voyage

The Explorers Spain Christopher Columbus Believed he could reach the Indies faster by traveling west…found North America instead Established the Columbian Exchange A massive exchange of goods, plants, animals and diseases Exchange between New and Old Worlds

Columbian Exchange

The Struggle over the New World European countries fought for control of the New World and its natural resources New World provided for opportunities for great wealth Colonizing European powers: France England Spain Portugal

Struggle Turns to Conflict England wanted more land in the New World First defeated the Dutch Dispute over lands in the Ohio Valley led to a war in 1754 This began the Seven Years’ War with France The battle in the New World was known as the French an Indian War

The Conquistadors Spain Hernan Cortes in Mexico Able to defeat the mighty Aztec Empire Used superior weapons, allies, and disease 96% of the Aztec population died from 1500-1620 Francisco Pizzaro in Peru Defeated the Incan Empire Ambushed and kidnapped the Incan ruler Received ransom then strangled and killed him anyway

Francisco Pizzaro