1. INTRODUCTION TO EXPLORATION
WHO was involved in it? 5 European powers
1. Portugal
2. Spain
3. France
4. Netherlands
5. England
WHAT was it?
A “race” to explore new lands and create colonies

2. WHEN did this happen?
(about )
WHERE did they explore?
(2 “waves”)
Africa, Asia
North and South America

3. WHY did they explore? economic/political/social reasons (3 “Gs”
Gold (economics)
Search for gold, silver, and other metals
More resources to trade and export
New markets and consumers for goods and resources
Mercantilism – building up gold supply through a favorable trade balance

4. 2. Glory (political concerns)
Imperialism -- idea that land = power
Natural struggle among societies justified the taking of power
(The end justifies the means)
Having an empire helped guarantee national security
Empires could give others a better way of life

5. Conversion of natives to Christianity (esp. by Catholic nations)
3. God (social change)
Conversion of natives to Christianity (esp. by Catholic nations)
Settlers seeking religious freedom
(ex. Puritans, Pilgrims)

6. Advances in transportation
Caught the maximum amount of wind for more speed
HOW did they do it?
Triangular; allowed sailing “into” the wind
Advances in transportation
Shallow keel for increased speed, maneuverability

7. carrack or nau
Forecastles / aftcastles – helped in defense
Deeper keel – more space for supplies; greater stability in rough seas
Square-rigged sails fore; lateen-rigged aft

8. galleon
low or no forecastle; improved speed
combined best elements of past ships

9. Advances in navigation
compass – helped determine direction in relation to north
quadrant
quadrant, sextant, astrolabe
Mainly used the angle of the sun/stars to the horizon to determine latitude
compass
sextant
astrolabe
astrolabe

10. Advances in cartography (mapmaking)
Latitude – distance north or south of the equator
Development of longitude lines to create a grid with latitude lines
Longitude – distance east or west of the prime meridian
Mercator projection – easiest to use for marine navigation
Original Mercator projection, 1569

11. All maps are distorted to some degree…
(you’re showing a spherical object on a flat surface)

12. Prince Henry (the Navigator)
funded Portuguese voyages and new cartography
Ferdinand and Isabella (Spain)
sponsored Columbus
Elizabeth I (1st) (England)
sponsored Francis Drake
developed English sea power