THE AGE OF EXPLORATIONChapter 5

PROGRAM OF STUDIES OUTCOMES

Knowledge and Understanding 8.2.4 critically examine the factors that shaped the

worldview evolving in western Europe during the Renaissance by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues: In what ways were the Age of Discovery and the rise of

imperialism expressions of an expansionist worldview?

THE DESIRE TO EXPLORE

Europeans had a desire to explore that stemmed from Humanism.

EXPLORING TO EXPAND TRADE

During the Renaissance many areas of their economy expanded: Commerce Manufacturing trade

During this time, trade was becoming more and more expensive. Merchants and bankers were willing to seek new solutions to

increase their profit by reducing the cost of their imported goods. Trade from far away was costing more and more, the mark up costs

were often 2000 times the original cost. Security of the trade routes were never guaranteed. Travelling by water over great distances had other challenges.

EXPLORING TO EXPAND THE GOLD SUPPLY

Gold and silver coins were used as currency in Europe. The supply of gold was running low and needed to grow so the economies of Europe could grow.

EXPLORING TO EXPAND CHRISTIANITY

The idea of spreading Christianity was important during Renaissance Europe, and this continued when Europe began to explore the world.

One important quote that helped push the idea of spreading the word of God was, “Go into all the world, and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

THE MEANS TO EXPLORE

Expand the known world Despite their openness and curiosity,

Europeans’ knowledge of the land beyond Europe was very limited.

EXPANDING NAVIGATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Prince Henry of Portugal, became known as Prince Henry the Navigator. He was very interested in ships and navigation.

Prince Henry sponsored many trips along the coast of Africa. He also established a center at Sagres (in Portugal) where cartographers (map makers), mathematicians, astronomers, sailors and navigators met to exchange ideas about navigation.

Navigational instruments improved through time. Examples included: compass, astrolabe, cross-staff and back-staff.

EUROPEAN EXPANSION

Within 100 years Europeans went from sailing the seas within Europe to sailing around the entire world. Europe’s worldview develops around an idea called expansionism. This ideas is about increasing its country into empires.

GOING EAST

Prince Henry sent expeditions south and along the west coast of Africa

Many goods including gold and slaves were transported between Africa and Portugal. The Portuguese brought these slaves to work on sugar plantations (farms) on islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Over the next three centuries (300 years), Europeans transported millions of Africans as slaves to the Americas. Millions died on the ships while millions died from being overworked (worked to death).

BATTLE OF DIU

A battle between Arab merchants and the Portuguese. Arab merchants saw the Portuguese as a threat to their economy, because they were wanting to bypass this region to get items that were trading along the silk road.

The Portuguese defeated the small but larger fleet of Arab ships. Cannons were the main reason for the Arab defeat. Soon after the Portuguese set up military posts in the region.

Portugal for a time in the 1500’s became the most powerful trading country in Europe.