The Age of Exploration Europe Encounters the World

The Age of Exploration Europe Encounters the World

Let’s Explore!

Why did Europeans explorations happen begin? ►A variety of factors all came together to make the time period (1450 -1700) the “age of exploration” ► Some were pulls, motivations and things that attracted the Europeans

What is the easiest way to remember it all? ► The Three § Gold § Glory § God ► Although G’s: a little simplistic, this mnemonic is a great way to remember the main motivations of the European explorers.

Early trade routes by Christian Europeans to Asia traversed on land occupied by Muslims.

As a result of the Crusades (Holy Wars), the Muslims cut-off trade routes between Europe and Asia in 1453.

What factors were pushing Europeans to explore? ► Europeans—especially Spain and Portugal--wanted to find a water route to Asia and Africa. ► They were upset with the Italian merchants in Venice and Genoa who were controlling most of the trade with Asia and Africa.

► Explorers The First G: Gold wanted actual gold, but they also wanted anything that could make them money. ► Foreign spices were desired because Europe had no refrigeration. Europeans wanted pepper and nutmeg to season their foods. These spices were in the Spice Islands. (Indonesia) ► Other natural resources (timber, sugar, tobacco, ivory) from other continents could be bought and sold for a nice profit.

Where are the Spice Islands?

Where are the Spice Islands in relationship to Europe?

Pass the pepper, please! ► ► ► ► By the early 1500’s, Europeans came to the Spice Islands in search of cloves and nutmeg. They were highly valued as food preservatives. Wealthy ladies used to keep spices in lockets around their necks so they could freshen their breaths easily. Gentlemen added nutmeg to food and drink. Spices were also used for medicinal purposes, especially in the relief of colic, gout, and rheumatism. Such great demand meant that the prices of nutmeg and cloves soared. Expeditions were launched to find the source of these spices and bring them directly back to Europe.

The second G: Glory The Triumph of Fame, a Flemish tapestry from 1502. ► Just like the first G, glory was a relatively new idea in Europe. ► The printing press now allowed people to get fame for their findings. ► Kings wanted glory for their kingdoms ---the bigger, the more glory.

The third G: God ► Europeans had always seen spreading Christianity as their duty. ► Colonizing foreign lands allowed them to convert native peoples to Christianity. ► Spreading Christianity while killing and taking land from natives? ? ? Does it make any sense to you?

How did these ocean explorations begin? ► The first to encourage new ship explorations was Prince Henry of Portugal, known as “Prince Henry the Navigator” ► Started a school for seafaring and exploring ► Combined Islam ship technology with new European innovations ► By the time of his death in 1460, Portuguese had sailed as far south as the Gold Coast of West Africa

What were the new technologies that enabled explorations? The caravel was a new, faster, more maneuverable ship ► Older ships had square sails but caravels had triangular sails (easier to change direction) ► Bilge pump system enabled ship to float higher (less likely to run aground, easier to explore coasts and rivers) ► Compass, astrolabe, maps and other technologies from Islamic culture all helped make explorations possible ►

The European desires for wealth did not stop with the closing of the land trading routes. They simply took another route……. . by water!

G……G……G ►God ►Glory ►Gold

Before We Go…….

Geonerd Alert: What is the smartest state? ► Alabama ► It B! has 4 A’s and 1

Geonerd Alert: What is the fastest country in the world? ► Rush-a!!! ► (Shh! Carl must have been here!)

Last chance: What is the capital of Alaska? ► Come one!! on! Juneau this