Chapter 15: Scientific Revolution and the Age of Exploration Lesson 3 The Age of Exploration

MAIN IDEAS Seeking an ocean route to Asia, Portugal sent out explorers on sea voyages. Searching for a new route to Asia, Columbus sailed west across the Atlantic and reached the Americas. After Columbus’ first voyage, a number of explorers made the trip to the Americas.

Portugal Leads the Way Henry the Navigator EQ: How did Portugal find an ocean route to Asia? Since Middle Ages, Europeans craved luxury goods from Asia Merchants from England, France, Spain, Portugal wanted Asian sea route Portuguese, with help from government, were first to succeed Henry the Navigator Prince Henry opened school for navigators, mapmakers, shipbuilders; also sponsored (gave $ for) explorations, so became known as “the Navigator”

Technology and Exploration Portugal Leads the Way EQ: How did Portugal find an ocean route to Asia? Technology and Exploration Henry the Navigatorʼs school made advances in technology Caravel—ship designed for long voyages; square and triangular sails Portuguese sailors used Greek astrolabe to find shipsʼ latitude; an astrolabe—measures the angle of stars above the horizon

Portugal Leads the Way Reaching India EQ: How did Portugal find an ocean route to Asia? Reaching India By 1460, Portugal had trading posts along African west coast, India, Spice Islands; developed profitable trade in gold, ivory, slaves In 1488, explorer Bartolomeu Dias rounded Africaʼs south tip Vasco da Gama extended Diasʼ route; sailed east to India in 1498 In time, Portugal dominated European trade with Asia

Columbus’ First Voyage Columbus Reaches America EQ: Why did Columbus sail west across the Atlantic, and what did he find? Columbus’ First Voyage Columbus believed he could reach Asia faster by sailing west. Some thought this strange; Portugal, Spain rejected it at first Columbus convinced Spainʼs monarchs to sponsor his plan August 1492, Columbus departed Spain with three caravels, 90 men. After 10 weeks, restless crew finally saw land

The Treaty of Tordesillas Columbus Reaches America EQ: Why did Columbus sail west across the Atlantic, and what did he find? Columbus’ Mistake Columbus thought land was India; greeted by “Indians.” He actually landed on an island in the Caribbean Sea (Guanahani/Iguana, renamed San Salvador) No trade goods found; Columbus set up settlement, returned to Spain The Treaty of Tordesillas Spain and Portugal wanted to protect their discoveries Signed Treaty of Tordesillas—drew imaginary line around the world; Spain could claim lands to the west and Portugal, lands to the east

Columbus Reaches America EQ: Why did Columbus sail west across the Atlantic, and what did he find? Additional Voyages Spainʼs Ferdinand, Isabella sent Columbus on three more voyages - Columbus found many islands, but no proof of route to Asia Spanish monarchs lost patience with Columbus In 1506, Columbus died bitter, lonely, insisting heʼd reached India; he discovered a continent (North America) unknown to Europeans

Exploration After Columbus EQ: Which other European countries explored and claimed parts of the Americas? Circling the Globe After Columbusʼ voyages, many European explorers sailed to America Spain sponsored Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan in 1519. He attempted to circumnavigate the globe—travel completely around the world. Magellan sailed around South America into Pacific Ocean. He landed in Philippine Islands; was killed in a local war. The depleted crew finished the trip; were first to sail around globe.

Exploration After Columbus EQ: Which other European countries explored and claimed parts of the Americas? Spanish Conquerors In 1500s, many Spanish explorers went to America to spread Catholicism, seek gold, and expand the Spanish Empire Hernán Cortés conquered rich Aztec (Mexican) empire. Within ten years, Spain won control of entire region, enslaving many who lived in todayʼs Mexico, Central America Francisco Pizarro led attack on Incan (Peruvian/Chilean) empire; killed emperor. By 1535, controlled most Incan lands; Incan slaves worked mines

Further Explorations in the North Exploration After Columbus EQ: Which other European countries explored and claimed parts of the Americas? Further Explorations in the North Hernando de Soto explored todayʼs southern United States England, France sponsored attempts to find Northwest Passage to Asia John Cabot searched for passage in 1490s. Though unsuccessful, Cabot claimed coastal lands in North America Verrazzanoʼs search for Northwest Passage ended at New York Harbor Franceʼs Cartier explored St. Lawrence River inland through Canada

Mapmaking and a New Worldview Exploration After Columbus EQ: Which other European countries explored and claimed parts of the Americas? Mapmaking and a New Worldview Each new voyage, discovery changed European view of Earth Maps in 1500s began showing two new continents; the Americas Americas named after mapmaker Amerigo Vespucci, who was first to explore and map coasts of new continents

Lesson Summary & so what The Portuguese established trade routes by sea to Africa and Asia. Searching for a new route to Asia, Columbus sailed west and reached the Americas. Several nations explored North and South America and established claims there. Why It Matters Now . . . European exploration and settlement of the Americas had a major impact on the cultures found in the United States today.