1. Age of Exploration,

2. I. Europeans Explore Asia
Prior to 1400s, Europeans had little interest or ability to explore far-off, foreign lands
The ideas and events of the Renaissance stirred European unrest/curiosity
3 motivating factors:
1) Economic motivations (wanted to be rich)
Spices/luxury items from Asia were introduced during the Crusades
Trade took place between Italian and Muslim merchants who charged high prices
European merchants looked for a direct route to Asia to secure items at lower cost
2) Spread of Christianity
Many Europeans felt it was their duty to convert non-Christians
CHALLENGE QUESTION!

3. I. Continued… 3 motivating factors (continued…)
3) New technologies
New ships (caravels) were faster, sturdier, and could sail against the wind
Magnetic compass and astrolabe allowed for better navigation, map making
Portugal first to embrace and pursue exploration
First to establish trading outposts along African coast
Supported by Prince Henry of Portugal
Founded navigation school, supported explorers financially

4. I. Continued… Spain was jealous of Portugal’s success
1488 – Portuguese sailors rounded tip of Africa, began exploring east Africa
1498 – Vasco da Gama travelled to Calcuta, India
Spain was jealous of Portugal’s success
Sent Christopher Columbus searching for a route to Asia in 1492
Rivalry between Spain and Portugal grew tense
Pope Alexander VI suggested created a dividing line that split the world
Signed the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494
Dividing line ran north-south, gave Spain all lands west, Portugal all lands east

5. Map of Conquest,
Source -

6. II. Trading Empires in the Indian Ocean
After da Gama’s voyage, Portugal established a thriving trading empire throughout Indian Ocean
Seized control of spice trade from Muslim merchants
Captured trading ports in Middle East, India, East Indies (modern-day Malaysia and Indonesia)
Prices for Asian goods dropped in Europe, access increased
Success of Portuguese attracted other European countries to area
Around 1600, Dutch and English challenged Portuguese dominance
Established East India Companies to trade with Asia
Could mint money, make treaties, establish armies
Would lay the foundation for colonies later
Dutch and English remained dominant forces into modern times

7. Dutch Empire, 17th – 19th centuries.
British Empire, early 20th century

8. II. Continued…
Competition between European nations eventually leads to worldwide conflict – Seven Years’ War
End of War gives British control over vast territory
Europeans controlled many Asian ports, but influence was limited
Small groups converted to Christianity, but majority of populations remained elusive
Chinese and Japanese governments implement policies of isolation to limit European influence

9. EXIT TICKET
What role did religion play for the Europeans during the Age of Exploration?
Describe a piece of technology that allowed Europeans to go out and explore.
Who was the first person to round the southern tip of Africa?
Christopher Columbus
Vasco da Gama
Prince Henry
What did the Treaty of Tordesillas do?

10. III. China During the Age of Exploration
Ming Dynasty ( )
Founded by Hongwu in 1368, originally a peasant
Sought to restore power of China, erase Mongol past
Encouraged return to Confucian ideas, restored examination system
Eventually became a tyrant, killing thousands of government officials suspected of plotting against him
Yonglo, son of Hongwu, continued many policies of his father
Began short-lived Chinese age of exploration
Zheng He led all voyages
Explored as far as West Africa, established a system of tribute in more than 16 countries
“Treasure Fleet” voyages mysteriously ended in 1433
CHALLENGE QUESTION!

11. III. Continued…
Trade and commerce become highly regulated
Confucian beliefs argued against idea of commerce, trade for profit
Economic policies favored agriculture, not external trade
Fear of outside (European) influence
Policy of isolation had unintended consequences
Lack of technological progress – Europeans and others developed better weapons, navigation tools over time
Limited access to resources in times of need
Society falls into disrepair – money spent on defense not on supporting population
Fall of Ming Dynasty caused by civil unrest, brought on by problems associated with isolation policy

12. IV. Japan Becomes Isolated
1400s – civil war had disrupted centralized Japanese leadership
With centralized power gone, feudalism became dominant system
Regional warlords (daimyo) held real power, emperor had little say
Warlords relied on samurai to protect land and control peasant population
European contact began mid-16th century
Brought new technologies, ideas
Guns, printing press, mechanical clocks

13. IV. Continued… Isolation Brought new technologies, ideas (continued…)
Christian missionaries attempted to convert
Some early success, many people were interested Western ideas
But, by late 16th century, Christian missionaries and converts were being actively persecuted
Thought to be a threat to the social order
Isolation
By mid-17th century, Japanese ships forbidden to sail overseas
Outsiders limited to port of Nagasaki – only Dutch and Chinese merchants
For more than 200 years, Japan was basically closed to Europeans and the West

14. CHALLENGE QUESTION! Make a prediction (or three)!
What do you think motivated the Europeans to go out and explore the world?
List and explain at least three possible motivating factors.
Complete sentences!
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15. CHALLENGE QUESTION!
After the Ming dynasty ended the voyages of the “Treasure Fleet”, China begin to enforce a policy of isolation.
What factors might have motivated China into isolating themselves from the rest of the world?
What might be the positive and negative consequences of such a policy?
Complete sentences, at least a paragraph.
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