THE AGE OF EXPLORATION

THE AGE OF EXPLORATION

European Motivations and the First Exploration

Motivation: God, Glory, and Gold

GodGod: Following the Reformation, Catholic and Protestant nations fiercely compete for new converts and wish to out do one another.

GloryGlory: Following the Renaissance, European nations desired to glorify their individual nations and claim honor for their homelands (nationalism).

GoldGold: After seeing the effects of new trade with places like the Middle East after the Crusades, Europe now desires more and more wealth.

Technology and Tools of ExplorationThe Caravel: This new ship allowed explorers to sail against the wind and in deeper waters.The Astrolabe: Helped sailors use the stars to determine their location and direction.The Magnetic Compass: Invented by the Chinese and assisted with direction.

Prince HenrySon of the King of Portugal who pushed Portugal to explore further.Under his leadership, Portugal took the first step in colonization by claiming parts of West Africa.

Vasco de GamaPortuguese explorer who was the first to create a direct sea trade route with AsiaHis voyages made Europeans begin to think about the possibility of other routes to Asia.

Spain and Portugal ClashAs the competition for new land and wealth heated up, Portugal and Spain came to the edge of war. To settle this dispute, the Pope created the Treaty of Tordesillas that divided the Americas between Portugal and Spain.

End of Portuguese DominanceAlthough Portugal created a successful trading empire throughout Africa, Asia, and America, they were simply overpowered by the military strength of the Spanish.Also, new competitors such as England and France, ended their hopes of global domination.