European Exploration

Marco Polo's 1477 book described the riches of the __ and inspired Europeans to seek faster sea routes to Asia.

East Indies

European exploration was significantly influenced by Marco Polo’s detailed accounts of the wealth and __ goods of the East Indies.

exotic

Polo’s narratives demonstrated that Asia was rich in valuable __.

resources

European nations, especially __ and Portugal, began to invest in maritime exploration.

Spain

Bartholomew Diaz rounded the __ in 1488, proving it was possible to sail to the Indian Ocean.

Cape of Good Hope

Vasco de Gama reached __ in 1498, establishing a new maritime route to Asia.

India

The Portuguese established significant __ advancements during their explorations in the 1400s.

navigational

Hernando Cortes conquered the __ Empire between 1519 and 1521.

Aztec

Francisco Pizarro's conquest of the __ Empire led to Spain acquiring vast silver mines.

Inca

The influx of precious metals made Spain the __ nation in Europe at the time.

wealthiest

Hernando de Soto's expedition in 1539 aimed to find __ in Florida and Georgia.

gold

De Soto faced numerous hardships and conflicts with __ tribes during his expedition.

Native American

Despite failing to find gold, de Soto's expedition contributed to Spanish knowledge of North __.

America

Spain established some __ in Florida that expanded its influence in North America.

settlements

The exploration era was driven by a desire for wealth, new __ routes, and territorial expansion.

trade

Marco Polo's writings ignited European __ for direct trade.

curiosity

Prince Henry of Portugal established a pioneering __ school.

sailing

Diaz’s achievement proved that it was possible to sail around Africa to reach the __ Ocean.

Indian

The wealth extracted from Cortes and Pizarro's conquests fueled further __ and colonization.

exploration

The voyages of early explorers were motivated by the desire to establish direct trade __ with Asia.

links

De Soto's expedition led to the establishment of footholds for further exploration and __.

settlement