Contact & Conflict, 1450-1700

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes regarding the period of exploration and colonization between 1450 and 1700.

Capitalism

An economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods, and production is based on supply and demand.

Astrolabe

An ancient instrument used by sailors for navigation, allowing them to determine their latitude by measuring the positions of celestial bodies.

Caravel

A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed by the Portuguese, primarily used in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Columbus

An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

Ottoman Empire

A vast and powerful empire that existed from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, centered in modern-day Turkey.

Conquistadors

Spanish explorers and soldiers who conquered territories in the Americas during the Age of Discovery, often through violent means.

Slavery in Africa

A practice that existed prior to European colonization, where people were enslaved, often justified by religious beliefs.

East India Company

A British trading company formed in 1600 to pursue trade with the East Indies, which became a major agent of British colonial expansion.

Cross-Cultural Exchange

The sharing of ideas, traditions, and goods between different cultures, often resulting from exploration and trade.

Seclusion Policy (Japan)

A period of isolation in Japan that lasted from the early 17th century until the mid-19th century, during which Japan restricted foreign influence.