The Age of ExplorationThe Age of Exploration

SS6H6 The student will analyze the impact of European exploration and colonization on various world regions.

a. Identify the causes of European exploration and colonization; include religion, natural resources, a market for goods, and the contributions of Prince Henry the Navigator.

The Age of Exploration

This was a time when European leaders saw the need to explore new areas in order to gain access to the spice trade in Asia, spread the religion of Christianity (at the Catholicism), a need for more resources, and more wealth.

The Age of Exploration cont…

The Crusades led to the creation of trade lines between Europe and Asia, but the price was high.

The Asian traders had to mark up items each time they changed hands.

Items changed hands many times across the vast distance between Europe and Asia.

The Age of Exploration cont…

The Age of Exploration cont…

European rulers soon realized that if their country were the first to find a direct sea route to Asia (specifically the Spice Islands), then they could make a large profit.

This began a great race for power in Asia (also known as the East or East Indies).

Prince Henry the Navigator 1394-1460

Prince Henry the Navigator

Ruler of Portugal He was among the first to realize the power that

would come with control of the spice trade. He founded the first school for navigation in

Europe. Under his rule, exploration of Africa was

expanded in an attempt to find a sea route to Asia.

He never went on any expedition himself.

Exploration Under Prince Henry the Navigator

Exploration Under Prince Henry the Navigator

Results

Portugal would eventually round the southern tip of Africa and reach India.

Portugal would eventually begin establishing colonies and trade with Africa.

This trade would later lead to the creation of the slave trade in which African slaves were bought and sold by Europeans.

Christopher Columbus 1451-1506

Christopher Columbus Wanted to find a route to the East Indies by sailing

West until he reached the other side of the globe. Had trouble finding someone to pay for the voyage

until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed.

He knew that the world was round, but had no clue that two continents lay between Europe and Asia.

He accidentally discovered the “New World” (North and South America)

He died thinking that he had found a new part of Asia

Model of the Santa Maria

The First Voyage of Columbus

The Second Voyage of Columbus

The Third Voyage of Columbus

The Fourth Voyage of Columbus

Results

Spain now had claim to lands before unknown to people in Europe.

Spain continued voyages into the New World. They sought gold and a passage to the East. Would result in battles between the native people

of the Americas and later colonies in the New World

Henry Hudson 1570’s-1611

Henry Hudson

Hired by England to find the Northwest Passage to Asia.

He made several failed attempts to find a passage to Asia through the Northwest.

Hired by the Dutch East India Company to find an Easterly passage to Asia.

On these voyages, Hudson mapped out what is now the Hudson River and Hudson Bay area between The U.S.A. and Canada.

Voyages of Henry Hudson

Results

England and France would eventually lay claim to parts of Canada, now that it had been further explored.

Hudson’s explorations led to an opening of the fur trade in North America.

Hudson’s expeditions led to a better understanding of the shape of North America.