European exploration

Definition

European exploration refers to the period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when European powers sought new trade routes and territories across the globe. This movement was driven by a desire for wealth, expansion of empires, and the spread of Christianity, leading to significant global interactions and transformations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. European exploration was primarily driven by the search for new trade routes to Asia for spices and luxury goods, particularly after the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
2. Technological advancements such as the compass, astrolabe, and improved ship designs like the caravel greatly facilitated long sea voyages.
3. Major explorers included Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan, whose voyages led to the discovery of new lands and sea routes.
4. The results of European exploration included the establishment of colonies, exploitation of indigenous peoples, and significant changes in global trade patterns.
5. The competition among European powers for overseas territories led to conflicts both within Europe and in newly colonized regions, shaping international relations for centuries.

Review Questions

• How did technological innovations contribute to European exploration during the late 15th century?
  • Technological innovations such as the compass and astrolabe allowed navigators to determine their latitude at sea, while advancements in shipbuilding led to faster and more durable vessels like the caravel. These developments made it possible for explorers to undertake longer voyages across uncharted waters. The ability to sail further than ever before was crucial for European powers seeking new trade routes and territories, enabling them to connect with distant lands.
• Discuss the environmental effects of European exploration on both the Old World and New World.
  • European exploration had profound environmental effects, leading to the Columbian Exchange that introduced new species of plants and animals between continents. In the New World, European crops like wheat and livestock transformed local agriculture while causing ecological disruption. Conversely, the introduction of New World crops such as potatoes and maize had a significant impact on agricultural practices in Europe. These changes not only altered local ecosystems but also reshaped dietary habits and economic systems globally.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of European exploration on class structures and race relations from the 15th to 18th centuries.
  • The age of exploration created new class dynamics as colonial powers established social hierarchies based on race and ethnicity. Indigenous populations were often oppressed or displaced by European settlers, leading to a class system that privileged Europeans over native peoples. Additionally, the transatlantic slave trade established a racial hierarchy that dehumanized African slaves while benefiting European economies. These class structures laid the groundwork for enduring inequalities that would persist into modern times, influencing social relations across continents.

Related terms

Age of Discovery:

The historical period during which European powers explored and colonized vast territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, significantly altering global trade and cultural exchanges.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade, leading to increased competition among European nations for colonies and resources.

Columbian Exchange:

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, goods, ideas, and populations between the New World and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.