Late fifteenth century

Definition

The late fifteenth century refers to the period from 1470 to 1500, a transformative time in European history marked by significant changes in exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. This era is characterized by the beginning of overseas exploration driven by European powers, leading to the establishment of new trade routes and contact with various civilizations across the globe. It set the stage for the Age of Exploration, where advancements in navigation and shipbuilding technology allowed explorers to embark on ambitious voyages that would ultimately reshape global interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. This period saw the rise of powerful nation-states in Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, which were eager to expand their influence through exploration.
2. Christopher Columbus completed his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, leading to the European awareness of the Americas.
3. Technological advancements during this time, including improved maps and navigational instruments like the astrolabe, greatly facilitated long-distance sea travel.
4. The late fifteenth century also marked the beginnings of the transatlantic slave trade as Europeans sought labor for plantations in newly discovered lands.
5. The introduction of new goods, including spices and precious metals from exploration, contributed to significant economic shifts in Europe during this time.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in navigation technology during the late fifteenth century impact European exploration?
  • Advancements in navigation technology, such as the development of the astrolabe and improved cartography, significantly impacted European exploration by enabling sailors to navigate more accurately. These innovations allowed explorers to venture further into uncharted waters with greater confidence. As a result, European powers were able to establish new trade routes and connect with distant civilizations, fundamentally altering global trade patterns.
• Discuss the role of key figures during the late fifteenth century in shaping the Age of Exploration.
  • Key figures like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama played crucial roles in shaping the Age of Exploration during the late fifteenth century. Columbus's voyage in 1492 opened up the Americas to European exploration and colonization, while Da Gama's route to India established a direct sea link between Europe and Asia. Their journeys not only expanded geographical knowledge but also initiated cultural exchanges and economic exploitation that would have lasting consequences for both Europe and the newly encountered regions.
• Evaluate the social and economic implications of European exploration initiated during the late fifteenth century.
  • The European exploration initiated during the late fifteenth century had profound social and economic implications. Economically, it led to an influx of wealth from newly discovered lands through resources like gold, silver, and spices, which transformed European economies. Socially, it resulted in significant demographic changes due to colonization and the forced migration of enslaved peoples. The interactions between Europeans and indigenous populations often led to cultural exchanges but also resulted in exploitation, violence, and devastating impacts on native societies.

Related terms

Renaissance:

A cultural and intellectual movement that began in Italy in the late fourteenth century, emphasizing humanism, art, and classical learning.

Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese that played a key role in maritime exploration.

Treaty of Tordesillas:

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries along a meridian.