AP World History - Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections

What were the major shipping routes controlled by Portugal and Spain during the Age of Exploration?

Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Atlantic Ocean

Who financed the explorations that led to the Age of Exploration?

Portugal

Who was Prince Henry the Navigator?

He was King John I’s son and a key figure in promoting early explorations.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas of 1494?

It was an agreement between Spain and Portugal to split colonized land between them.

Who explored South America and the Americas famously?

Amerigo Vespucci explored South America; Christopher Columbus explored the Americas.

What major contribution did Vasco da Gama make to exploration?

He explored eastern Africa and India.

What innovation allowed for better ship control during explorations?

Sternpost Rudder, which was invented in China.

How did disease impact the Aztec Empire during the Spanish conquest?

Diseases such as smallpox significantly reduced their population, helping the Spaniards to take control.

What was the encomienda system?

A Spanish colonial system that forced labor of Native Americans and African slaves.

What were the four main social classes in the colonial hierarchy established by the Spanish?

Peninsulares, Creoles, Mestizos, and Mulattos.

What was the Middle Passage?

The brutal transportation route for slaves from Africa to the New World.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The transatlantic transfer of animals, plants, diseases, people, technology, and ideas among Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

What did mercantilism advocate during the Commercial Revolution?

Creating a favorable balance of imports and exports.

Which two companies played significant roles in trade during the Commercial Revolution?

Muscovy Company and the Dutch East India Company.

How did the Age of Exploration affect European banking practices?

It led to banking becoming a respectable practice and the development of joint-stock companies.

What was the impact of the African Slave Trade on the population in the New World?

Around 13 million Africans were taken, with a significant population decrease during transport.

What were two key products that arose from the Columbian Exchange?

Sugar and silver.

What were the consequences of Europe's intense colonialism on its colonies?

It caused resentment among colonies due to exploitative practices.