European Arrival, Exploration, and Conquest

What is mercantilism?

An economic theory that asserts that a country's success is dependent on exporting more than it imports.

What did mercantilism imply about the world economy?

It suggests a zero-sum scenario where one nation's gain is another's loss due to competition.

Who controlled the Silk Road during the Age of Exploration?

The Ottoman Empire controlled the Silk Road, restricting access for Christians.

What advancements during the Renaissance facilitated exploration?

Technological advancements such as the compass and lateen sail improved access to sea trade routes.

How did Columbus initially miscalculate his journey?

Columbus believed that Japan was closer to Europe than it actually was.

What was Columbus's main objective on his first voyage?

To find spices, gold, and to convert people to Christianity.

What happened to the settlement La Navidad?

The settlement was destroyed by disputes with the natives who ultimately burned it down.

What was the main motivation of conquistadores?

To gain power, acquire land and gold, and spread Christianity.

Who was Vasco Nunez de Balboa?

The first major conquistador who 'discovered' the Isthmus of Panama and established settlements in Central America.

What significant event did Hernan Cortes orchestrate against the Aztecs?

Cortes led campaigns that resulted in the sacking of Tenochtitlan and the capture of king Moctezuma.

What strategy did Francisco Pizarro use to conquer the Incan Empire?

He took advantage of a civil war among the Incas to play factions against each other.

What did Pedro Menendez de Aviles accomplish?

He established a Spanish foothold in Florida in 1565 and organized treasure voyages back to Spain.

What was the significance of the Columbian Exchange?

It unified isolated Americas through the sharing of species, inventions, and trade routes.

Who was Ferdinand Magellan and what was notable about his expedition?

Magellan led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe but did not survive the journey.

What was the Age of Exploration?

The Age of Exploration was a period from the late 15th to the early 17th century when European nations sought new trade routes and territories.

Who were the main explorers during the European conquest and exploration?

Key explorers included Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan.

What motivated European nations to explore new lands?

Motivations included the search for new trade routes, wealth from resources, and the spread of Christianity.

How did the European conquest impact indigenous populations?

The European conquest often led to displacement, disease, and significant declines in indigenous populations.

What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe.

What role did the Columbian Exchange play in exploration?

The Columbian Exchange was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the New World and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

What were the consequences of European colonization on the Americas?

European colonization led to the establishment of settlements, exploitation of resources, cultural changes, and often violent conflicts with indigenous populations.

Which European country was the first to establish a sea route to Asia?

Portugal was the first European country to establish a sea route to Asia, primarily through Vasco da Gama's voyages.

What was the significance of the northwest passage?

The northwest passage was a sought-after maritime route through the Arctic that would allow faster access to Asia and trade in the 16th century.

How did technology influence European exploration?

Technological advancements, such as the compass, astrolabe, and improved ship designs, significantly enhanced navigation and exploration capabilities

What was the impact of the Spanish conquests in the Aztec and Inca Empires?

The Spanish conquests led to the fall of the Aztec and Inca Empires, resulting in large territorial gains for Spain and the widespread conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity.

What role did the encomienda system play during colonization?

The encomienda system granted colonists authority over indigenous peoples, allowing them to extract labor and tribute in exchange for protection and religious instruction.

Who was Hernán Cortés?

Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador known for leading the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521.

Who was Francisco Pizarro?

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Inca Empire in the early 1530s.

What were the Treaty of Paris and its significance?

The Treaty of Paris (1763) marked the end of the Seven Years' War, significantly altering territorial control in North America among European powers.

What was the significance of Tenochtitlan?

Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, and was a key target for Hernán Cortés during the conquest.

What were the THREE G's that motivated exploration?

The THREE G's are Gold (wealth), Glory (fame and status), and God (spread of Christianity), which motivated European exploration and conquest.

What was the role of the Spanish Armada in European naval power?

The Spanish Armada was a powerful fleet assembled by Spain in the late 16th century, notable for its attempt to invade England in 1588.

What impact did diseases have on indigenous populations during colonization?

European diseases, such as smallpox and measles, decimated indigenous populations in the Americas due to a lack of immunity.

Who was John Cabot?

John Cabot was an Italian explorer credited with the discovery of parts of North America under the commission of England in 1497.

What was the main goal of the French in their exploration of North America?

The main goal of the French exploration was to establish trade routes, particularly for fur trading, and to spread Christianity.

What are the key outcomes of the Treaty of Tordesillas?

The Treaty of Tordesillas divided new lands between Spain and Portugal, establishing spheres of influence and reducing colonial conflicts.

What was the significance of Charles V in the era of exploration?

Charles V was the Holy Roman Emperor whose reign saw the expansion of the Spanish Empire and significant voyages of exploration.

How did the Portuguese establish their trading empire?

The Portuguese established a trading empire through strategic coastal forts and alliances along the African coast and in Asia.

What was one result of the transatlantic slave trade initiated during the Age of Exploration?

The transatlantic slave trade resulted in the forced migration of millions of Africans to the Americas for labor on plantations.

What was the importance of the Mercator projection map?

The Mercator projection map, developed in the 16th century, improved navigation by representing lines of constant course as straight lines.

What did European explorers often seek in Asia?

European explorers sought spices, silk, and precious metals from Asia, driving many expeditions throughout the 15th to 17th centuries.