Western Europe during the Age of Discovery

Highly Religious Christians. Holy War (Crusades) to recapture Jerusalem and Spain from Muslims. Religious disagreements divide Western Europe into Protestants and Catholics (Reformation).

Politically divided into competing kingdoms: Spain, France, England, ect…

Increasingly influence of science and interest in the world (ex. Renaissance)

Marco Polo

Went on a trade journey across Silk Road to China

Saw how others lived Wrote influential “Description of the

World”

Christopher Columbus

Looking for ocean route to trade with India

Landed in Bahamas Conquered native peoples and Set

up first Spanish colony in Western Hemisphere

Vasco da Gama

Sailed around Africa to India Announced he came to India for

“Christians and Spices” Brought back spices, silks, jewels

Ferdinand Magellan

First to sail around the world Died before he made it back

Hernan Cortez

Conquered Aztec Empire

Extended New Spain to present day Mexico

Plundered Aztec Gold and Silver made Spain richest country in Europe

Francisco Pizarro

Conquered Incan Empire

Extended New Spain to South America

Plundered Incan Gold and Silver made Spain even richer

Jacques Cartier

Sailed up the Saint Lawrence and claimed Canada for France

Francisco Coronado

Traveled through southwest United States

Gave Spain claims to land north of Mexico

Samuel de Champlain

Landed in Eastern Canada Established Quebec which was the

first permanent French settlement

Henry Hudson

Landed on North American Coast Set up fur trading post in Albany,

New York