Topic 1.3: European Exploration of the Americas

What were the main reasons for European exploration?

The three main motives were Gold, God, and Glory — representing economic, religious, and political incentives for exploration and conquest.

What century marked Europe’s rise in stability and power before exploration began?

The 15th century, when Europe recovered from the Black Plague and the Little Ice Age.

What were some factors that led Europe to become more stable before exploration?

A warmer climate, improved agricultural techniques, population growth, the Renaissance, and the unification of European states.

What event in 1453 disrupted European trade with Asia?

The Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople, which cut off European access to Asian markets through the Silk Roads.

Why did Europeans need to find new trade routes after 1453?

The Ottomans controlled key land routes and dictated trade terms, motivating Europeans to find sea routes to Asia.

What was the economic motive behind “Gold”?

European nations wanted direct access to Asian luxury goods and wealth without paying high Ottoman or Venetian middlemen costs.

Which country led the early phase of maritime exploration?

Portugal took the lead in exploration due to its location and strong naval capabilities.

Who was the Portuguese prince that promoted exploration?

Prince Henry the Navigator encouraged voyages along Africa’s coast to access the Indian Ocean trade.

Which Portuguese explorer was the first to reach India by sea?

Vasco de Gama successfully sailed around the Cape of Good Hope to India in 1498.

What trade system did Portugal establish in the Indian Ocean?

A trading post empire — establishing ports along African and Asian coasts to control commerce rather than land.

By the end of which century did Portugal dominate the Indian Ocean trade?

By the end of the 16th century, Portugal had gained dominance in Indian Ocean trade and amassed great wealth.

Which country followed Portugal in exploration?

Spain, motivated by competition for trade routes and global power.

Who was the Genoese sailor that approached Spain for funding?

Christopher Columbus.

Who funded Columbus’s 1492 voyage?

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.

Why did Spain fund Columbus’s voyage?

Portugal controlled the Indian Ocean trade, so Spain sought a westward route to Asia for economic and religious gain.

What was the goal of Columbus’s 1492 voyage?

To reach Asian markets by sailing west across the Atlantic.

What mistake did Columbus make about the size of the Earth?

He underestimated Earth’s size by about 25%, believing he could reach Asia quickly.

Where did Columbus actually land?

In the Caribbean, though he thought he had reached Asia.

What was the major consequence of Columbus’s voyage?

It opened the New World to European exploration and led to massive wealth extraction from the Americas.

What was the second major motive for exploration?

God — spreading Christianity and competing for religious dominance.

What was the dominant religion in Europe before the Reformation?

Roman Catholic Christianity.

What practices caused criticism of the Catholic Church?

Simony (selling church offices) and the sale of indulgences (payments for forgiveness of sins).

Who began the Protestant Reformation?

Martin Luther.

What document did Martin Luther write criticizing the Church?

The 95 Theses, written in 1517 and nailed to a church door in Wittenberg.

What major religious change did the Reformation cause?

A permanent split in Christianity, leading to Catholic and Protestant branches.

How did religion and politics intertwine in Europe?

There was no separation of church and state, so religious conflicts also became political struggles for power.

What effect did the Reformation have on European exploration?

Nations sought to spread their version of Christianity overseas to prove their faith’s supremacy.

Which two monarchs united Spain through marriage in 1469?

Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.

What was the Reconquista?

A campaign by Christian kingdoms to reclaim Spain from Muslim rule, completed in 1492.

What was the Spanish Inquisition?

A Catholic effort to eliminate religious dissent and enforce unity by expelling or converting Jews and Muslims.

How did Spain’s religious success motivate exploration?

After defeating Muslims and enforcing Catholic unity, Spain felt called to spread its version of Christianity globally.

What was the third major motive for exploration?

Glory — national pride, power, and political competition between rising European nation-states.

What was happening politically in Europe during this period?

Smaller kingdoms were uniting into centralized nation-states, leading to intense rivalry for power.

What was a nation-state?

A political entity that governs a unified people within defined borders, promoting loyalty and competition.

How did the Protestant Reformation add to European competition?

It added a religious dimension to political rivalries, with states competing to be seen as the most faithful and powerful.

Which countries were early rivals in colonial expansion?

Spain and Portugal.

How did Spain and Portugal resolve their colonial disputes?

Diplomatically, through negotiation and papal mediation.

What agreement divided the New World between Spain and Portugal?

The Treaty of Tordesillas.

When was the Treaty of Tordesillas signed?

1494.

What did the Treaty of Tordesillas establish?

A line of demarcation giving Portugal Brazil and Spain control of the rest of the Americas.

Who mediated the Treaty of Tordesillas?

The Pope.

How did the Treaty of Tordesillas affect Indigenous peoples?

They were excluded from the agreement and suffered greatly from European colonization.

What was the overall effect of European exploration on global power?

It shifted wealth and influence toward Europe, initiating centuries of imperialism and colonization.