Historical Exploration and Trade

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and figures related to the Age of Exploration, trade, and technological advancements based on the provided lecture notes.

What was the significance of the Silk Roads in historical exploration?

The Silk Roads established connections between Europe and Asia, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

Which European countries developed maritime empires during the Age of Exploration?

Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, France, and Holland.

Who was Prince Henry the Navigator?

A leading figure in European sailing and navigation, he sponsored expeditions and established a navigation school.

What is the astrolabe used for?

To determine how far north or south of the equator one is.

What was the impact of Newton’s theory of gravity on sailing technology?

It increased knowledge of tides, making ocean sailing safer.

Which technology was first used in mapmaking during the Age of Exploration?

The use of telescopes to create astronomical charts.

What was the primary goal behind the mercantilism economic theory?

To export more than import, thereby accumulating gold and silver.

Who was Bartholomew Diaz?

The first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope.

What was a major goal of Portuguese exploration in Africa?

To find an all-water route to Asia and establish a sea-based slave trade.

What is the significance of Vasco Da Gama's voyage?

He was the first European to sail from Europe to India by going around the Cape of Good Hope.

How did the introduction of gunpowder affect European exploration?

It helped Europeans conquer new areas.

What consequence did the Columbian Exchange have on Europe?

It resulted in population growth due to the influx of new food products.

What was the purpose of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494?

To divide the newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.

What was one result of the introduction of European diseases to Indigenous populations?

A catastrophic decline in Indigenous populations by 50% to 90%.

What role did sugar play in the Portuguese economy during the Age of Exploration?

It became a major cash crop and drove the transatlantic slave trade.

What was the role of chattel slavery in the transatlantic slave trade?

It defined individuals as property to be bought and sold.

What was the outcome of the Spanish Armada defeat in 1588 for England?

England became the dominant naval power, allowing competition for resources in the Americas.

Who claimed parts of Canada for France during exploration efforts?

Jacques Cartier.

What was the significance of the Jamestown settlement?

It was the first successful English colony in the Americas.

How did the migration of enslaved Africans influence American culture?

They created new languages and influenced music and cuisine.

What was the role of indentured servitude in early American colonies?

It provided labor for landowners in exchange for passage to the Americas.

What was the primary cause of the Columbian Exchange?

The voyages of Christopher Columbus that opened transatlantic trade.

How did European countries respond to the success of Portuguese maritime exploration?

Other nations like the Dutch and English began to adopt similar technologies and challenge Portuguese dominance.

What was a unique feature of the Portuguese trading post empire?

It was built on a string of forts and ports rather than a large territorial claim.

What types of foods and animals were introduced to the Americas?

Pigs, cows, horses, and wheat were introduced, while maize, cacao, and potatoes were brought to Europe.

What was a major consequence of the forced labor system in the Americas?

It led to the growth of plantations and an increased demand for enslaved Africans.

What is an example of a cash crop that became prevalent during this period?

Sugar was a major cash crop linked to plantation economies.

In which area did John Cabot explore for England?

He explored the East Coast of North America while seeking a northwest passage.

What was the significance of Moctezuma II's rule during the Age of Exploration?

He was a pivotal indigenous leader when European colonizers arrived in the Americas.

How did the Portuguese engage in trade with China?

They established trade routes but had little impact on China due to its self-isolation.

What was one effect of the Columbian Exchange on the Americas' environment?

The introduction of European livestock and crops drastically changed indigenous agricultural practices.

Name one reason explorers sought new trade routes during the Age of Exploration.

To bypass Middle Eastern intermediaries and reach Asia directly.

Who was Hernando de Soto?

He was an explorer who traveled through the southeastern United States, including Alabama.

What impact did European exploration have on Indigenous cultures in the Americas?

Often led to conflict, displacement, and significant population decline.

What did the early European explorers primarily seek during their expeditions?

New trade routes, riches, and territorial claims.

What does the term 'Columbian Exchange' refer to?

The transfer of goods, culture, and populations between the Americas and the rest of the world.