1. What factors led to and what technology helped European exploration of the world?

2. What was the Age of Exploration? The Age of Exploration was a period when European expanded outside their borders 1400’s – 1800’s Previously Europe had been extremely isolated from the rest of the world w/ a few exceptions Marco Polo in China (1275)

4. Polo’s Book “The Travels of Marco Polo” (1295)

5. Columbus’ copy of Polo’s book

6. Why did Europeans suddenly want to explore? The motivation of the Europeans was summed up by the 3 G’s: “God, glory, and gold” God = Spread of Christianity Glory = Claiming new areas for their monarchs Gold = finding wealth

7. Columbus’ First Voyage (1492)

8. Columbus’ Arrival in the New World (1492)

9. Was Columbus First?

10. The Vinland Map Debate Europe Africa Asia

11. Where were the Europeans trying to go? Most European explorers were trying to find a quick and safe route to Asia Lucrative trade (spices, silks, etc.) Break Ottoman monopoly of the trade routes Later, America (Latin America) would become a source of great wealth

12. The Legend of El Dorado

13. Who were the big players in the Age of Exploration? Several major players: Spain / Portugal Treaty of Tordesillas Line of Demarcation English French Dutch

14. Cortes’ arrival in Mexico (1518)

15. Coronado’s “wild goose chase”(1540-42)

16. Pizzaro’s kidnapping of the Incan emperor (1520’s)

17. Why was Europe so successful at exploration? European were the most successful at exploration due to technology: New ship designs (caravel) Able to sail into the wind New navigation technology Astrolabe Magnetic compass