Download The Age of Exploration

What factors led to and what technology helped
European exploration of the world?
What was the Age of Exploration?
 The Age of Exploration was a
period when European
expanded outside their
borders

1400’s – 1800’s
 Previously Europe had been
extremely isolated from the
rest of the world w/ a few
exceptions

Marco Polo in China (1275)
Marco Polo in China (1275)
Polo’s Book “The Travels of Marco
Polo” (1295)
Columbus’ copy of Polo’s book
Why did Europeans suddenly want to explore?
 The motivation of the
Europeans was summed up
by the 3 G’s:
 “God, glory, and gold”
 God = Spread of
Christianity
 Glory = Claiming new
areas for their monarchs
 Gold = finding wealth
Columbus’ First Voyage (1492)
Columbus’ Arrival in the New World (1492)
Was Columbus First?
The Vinland Map Debate
Europe
Africa
Asia
Where were the Europeans trying to go?
 Most European explorers
were trying to find a
quick and safe route to
Asia


Lucrative trade (spices,
silks, etc.)
Break Ottoman monopoly
of the trade routes
 Later, America (Latin
America) would become a
source of great wealth
The Legend of El Dorado
Who were the big players in the Age of
Exploration?
 Several major players:
 Spain / Portugal
 Treaty of Tordesillas

Line of Demarcation
 English
 French
 Dutch
Cortes’ arrival in Mexico (1518)
Coronado’s “wild goose chase”(1540-42)
Pizzaro’s kidnapping of the Incan emperor (1520’s)
Why was Europe so successful at
exploration?
 European were the most
successful at exploration
due to technology:

New ship designs (caravel)


Able to sail into the wind
New navigation technology


Astrolabe
Magnetic compass