Age of Exploration

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Age of Exploration, focusing on important figures, events, economic systems, and relationships.

Renaissance

A rebirth of scientific thinking and exploration that fueled the Age of Exploration.

Christopher Columbus

An explorer who arrived in the Americas in 1492, believing he had reached Asia.

Henry the Navigator

A Portuguese prince instrumental in the early exploration of the oceans, he founded the first navigation school.

God, Gold, and Glory

The main motives behind European exploration, including the spread of Christianity, wealth acquisition, and national fame.

Hernán Cortés

A Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico.

Francisco Pizarro

A Spanish conquistador who defeated the Incan Empire in South America.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of goods, ideas, plants, animals, and diseases between Europe and the Americas.

Mercantilism

An economic system where colonies exist to benefit the mother country by providing raw materials and markets.

Encomienda System

A Spanish labor system granting land to European settlers in exchange for the labor of Native Americans.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The trade in enslaved Africans brought to the New World to replace diminishing Native American labor.

Historical context

The social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental factors influencing an event or period.

Point of view

The perspective from which a person or group observes and interprets events.

Diseases

A major cause of death for Native Americans post-contact, particularly smallpox, leading to a high mortality rate.

Exploration Motives

Desire for new trade routes, land acquisition, spreading Christianity, and achieving personal and national fame.

Dutch Relations with Native Americans

Characterized by trade and cooperation, lacking forced conversion, leading to better relations compared to Spain and France.