AP European History Unit 1.4 Vocab and Important Concepts

African Slave Trade

A brutal and large-scale forced migration of Africans to the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries, where they were subjected to slavery and exploitation on plantations

Age of Exploration

A period from the late 15th to the early 17th century during which European powers sought new trade routes and territories across the globe

Cartography

The art and science of map-making, encompassing the design, production, and study of maps

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, foods, human populations, diseases, and culture between the Americas and the Old World following Christopher Columbus’ voyages in 1492

Gold, God, Glory

The primary motivations behind European exploration and imperialism from the 15th to the 17th centuries

Mercantilism

An economic theory and practice that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth, primarily gold and silver, through a positive balance of trade, especially in finished goods

Missionaries

Individuals sent by religious organizations, particularly the Christian church, to promote their faith and convert others to that belief system

Navigational Advances

The developments and innovations that improved the ability to travel and explore vast oceans and distant lands during the Age of Exploration

New World

The lands of the Americas that were unknown to Europeans before the Age of Exploration

Astrolabe

An ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies and to solve problems related to time and position in navigation

Compass

A navigational instrument that shows the cardinal directions relative to the Earth’s magnetic field

Guns and Gunpowder

The technological advancements in firearms and explosive materials that revolutionized warfare during the Age of Exploration

Horses

Large, domesticated mammals that were crucial to transportation, agriculture, and warfare throughout history

Lateen Rig

A type of triangular sail that was a key technological innovation during the Age of Exploration

Portolani

Detailed navigational maps created by medieval mariners and mathematicians, primarily in the 13th and 14th centuries

Quadrant

A navigational instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, such as stars and the sun, to determine a ship’s latitude

Smallpox

A highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus, characterized by fever and a distinctive skin rash that results in pus-filled blisters

Stern-post Rudder

A navigational device mounted at the stern of a ship that allows for improved maneuverability and control during sailing

Triangular Trade

The transatlantic system of trade that operated between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries