The First Global Age: Europe, Africa, Asia, Americas Renaissance explorers initiate a dramatic new era of exploration! 1492 Christopher Columbus sails the ocean blue! NOW WHAT?!?!

Setting the scene… Think about the sacrifice! Capt. Ferdinand Magellan had been commissioned to sail around the Americas to the Spice Islands ◦ 1519: 5 ships with more than 250 crew left Spain ◦ 1522: ONE ship returned with only 18 malnourished, skeletal sailors ◦ Magellan was NOT one of the survivors!

Why?!?!?! WHAT? Spices! WHY? Value! Cinnamon, Pepper Nutmeg Cloves Food Preservation Flavor Enhancement Medicinal Purposes Aromatic Pleasure

Where?!? Moluccas Map aka Spice Islands Archipelago in modern-day Indonesia

WHO?!?!? 1400s: Arab & Italian merchants controlled most trade between Asia & Europe The Bottom Line: NON-Italian Europeans wanted to cut out “the middle men” –the Italians…. Maximum profit = direct access to Asia

Did you think it was Ferdinand, Isabella, Columbus, and Spain! Make a Historical Prediction! Who takes the lead?! H o w m a n y o f y o u t h i n k i t i s F e r d i n a n d, I s a b e l l a, C o l u m b u s, a n d S p a i n ?

Picture This!!!!!! Portugal leads the way under the leadership of Prince Henry.

Prince Henry (1394 – 1460) Ushered in the great age of European exploration Nicknamed “the Navigator” by the English Never traveled the seas but took great financial risks Priority: Mapping Africa

Prince Henry & Africa Realized the GREAT POTENTIAL in Africa Envisioned a grand missionary field (HUGE supporter of conversions) Believed he would find the sources of riches the Muslim traders controlled Hoped to find an easier way to reach Asia, which meant going around Africa! Encouraged collaboration among scientists, cartographers, shipbuilders, captains, and crews! Inspired his nation to continue the quest around Africa after his death in 1460.

20 years later: Dead but not forgotten! Henry’s dream realized! 28 years later (1488) when Bartholomew Dias rounded the southern tip of Africa – referred to the Cape of Good Hope! Cape of Good Hope – so named due to the high expectations of a sea route to Asia!

Sights on…. INDIA! 1497: Vasco da Gama followed Dias’ footsteps & after a 10 month voyage reached western India. Returned with spices and made an ENORMOUS PROFIT! Led to the creation of a vast trading empire!

Uh, what about Columbus? 1497: da Gama reaches India! 1492: Columbus sets sail – what happened? Columbus sails WEST! Rejected by Portugal Persuaded Ferdinand & Isabella to finance his voyage who hoped for wealth & prestige. Set sail on Aug. 3, 1492 with land spotted on October 12 th Spent several months cruising the islands of the Caribbean referring to those he encountered as “Indians.” Returned to a hero’s welcome in 1493 Made three later voyages!

TROUBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Spain vs. Portugal = Dividing the world in half! Pope est. a Line of Demarcation: dividing the non-European world into 2 zones Specific terms described in the Treaty of Tordesillas 1494 ◦ Spain had trading rights to the West of the line ◦ Portugal had same rts. East of the line

The search remains! The search for a direct route continues! English, Dutch, French seek a NW Passage through North America! 1513: Spanish explorer Balboa crosses Panama 1519: Portuguese captain Magellan’s crew- first to circumnavigate the world!