Renaissance Europe - The Age of Discovery Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery.

King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella

The king and queen of Spain who supported Columbus’ exploration voyage.

Christopher Columbus

Italian explorer and navigator who completed four Spanish voyages.

Expansionism

View of Europeans and North Americans that they are more important than other countries, with a goal to expand their power and territory.

Imperialism

Expansion of power including its territory, resources, and people.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one ethnic group is better than others.

Genocide

A planned aim to kill a large number of people to destroy a nation.

Decolonization

Giving countries their independence back.

Mansa Musa

Famous African emperor known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Geographia

The science that deals with the Earth's surface.

Astrolabe

Astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of the sun and stars.

Circumnavigating

Sailing or traveling all the way around something.

Indigenous

Original inhabitants of a region.

Mercantilism

Practice by which governments use their economies to increase state power at the cost of other countries.