2. Thesis: First Sentence Thesis: First Sentence The age of exploration is a period from 1400 to 1600 in which Europeans traveled the rest of the world in search of goods (raw materials), land, and trade partners. In this essay, I will explain why Europeans explored, where they went, and what they gained. The age of exploration is a period from 1400 to 1600 in which Europeans traveled the rest of the world in search of goods (raw materials), land, and trade partners. In this essay, I will explain why Europeans explored, where they went, and what they gained.

3. Why: Europeans explored for three main reasons: God, Glory, and Gold. In regards to God, Europeans wanted to spread Christianity around the world. The explorers wanted to obtain glory for their country by colonizing new lands. Lastly, Europeans searched for riches (Gold). Why: Europeans explored for three main reasons: God, Glory, and Gold. In regards to God, Europeans wanted to spread Christianity around the world. The explorers wanted to obtain glory for their country by colonizing new lands. Lastly, Europeans searched for riches (Gold).

4. Where: The Europeans traveled to Africa, Asia, and the Americas to spread Christianity, gain glory for their country, and obtain riches.

6. GOD Christopher Columbus’ voyages forced many natives in the West Indies to become Christians. Christopher Columbus’ voyages forced many natives in the West Indies to become Christians. Spain established missions in the Americas to convert natives to Christianity – they forced natives to become Christians. Spain established missions in the Americas to convert natives to Christianity – they forced natives to become Christians.

7. GLORY Portugal colonizes in the Americas. Portugal colonizes in the Americas. Example, Pedro Cabral colonized present-day Brazil for Portugal. Example, Pedro Cabral colonized present-day Brazil for Portugal.

8. GOLD Columbus’s voyages were the beginning of Spanish settlements in the West Indies (Americas); which allowed Spain to gain great wealth by mining for precious minerals and started sugar plantations. Columbus’s voyages were the beginning of Spanish settlements in the West Indies (Americas); which allowed Spain to gain great wealth by mining for precious minerals and started sugar plantations. Portugal establishes gold and slave trade in Africa. Portugal establishes gold and slave trade in Africa. Use the back map to describe goods and where they came from. Use the back map to describe goods and where they came from.