What factors led to and what technology helped European exploration of the world?
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)
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
Europe
Africa
Asia
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
Who were the big players in the Age of Exploration?
Several major players:
Spain / Portugal Treaty of Tordesillas
Line of Demarcation
English FrenchDutch
Cortes’ arrival in Mexico (1518)
Coronado’s “wild goose chase”(1540-42)
Pizzaro’s kidnapping of the Incan emperor (1520’s)
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