OCR B GCSE History: The Elizabethans (wider world)

based on my notes and textbook, tried to focus on js core things i hope its helpful <33

Why was Drake important?

Attacked Spanish ships and brought back treasure

What is the key interpretation debate?

Success vs limited impact of Elizabethan exploration

Why did Elizabethans explore?

Trade, wealth, religion, national rivalry, curiosity

What impact did the Renaissance have on exploration?

New ideas about geography, science, and the world

Why did religion encourage exploration?

Desire to convert non-Christians

Why was trade a key motive?

To access spices, silk, and luxury goods

Why were spices important?

To preserve and flavour food

Why did England want new sea routes?

To avoid Spanish and Portuguese control

What was nationalism in exploration?

Competition between European powers for status and empire

Who was Dr John Dee?

Adviser who promoted idea of British Empire

What did John Dee contribute?

Navigation knowledge and idea of colonisation

What was Francis Drake's main achievement?

Circumnavigated the globe (1577-80)

What was Humphrey Gilbert known for?

Claimed Newfoundland for England

Why did Gilbert fail?

Harsh conditions, lack of supplies, death at sea

What was Walter Raleigh's aim?

To establish colonies in North America

What was Roanoke?

Failed English colony in America

Why did Roanoke fail?

Lack of food, conflict with natives, poor planning

What was the importance of Roanoke?

Provided knowledge for later colonies (e.g. Virginia)

Who was Ralph Fitch?

Explorer who travelled to India and Asia

Why was Fitch important?

Provided knowledge of Eastern trade routes

What did Fitch discover?

Potential for direct trade with India and Asia

Who was James Lancaster?

Leader of early East Indies voyages

What did Lancaster achieve?

Helped establish East India Company trade

What was the East India Company (1600)?

Company with monopoly on trade with the East

What did the EIC establish?

Trading posts ("factories") in Asia

Where was the first EIC factory?

Bantam (Java)

What was the significance of the EIC?

Foundation of future British Empire in India

What companies expanded trade before EIC?

Levant Company, Muscovy Company

What is a joint-stock company?

Investors share risk and profit

What goods did England trade?

Cloth, coal, fish

What goods did England import?

Spices, silk, dyes

What shows trade was expanding?

New companies and growing number of ships

What limited Elizabethan trade?

Spanish/Portuguese dominance, dangerous routes

Why was exploration risky?

Storms, disease, starvation, unknown lands

Why did colonisation often fail?

Lack of supplies and poor relations with natives

What role did Spain play?

Main rival controlling global trade routes

Did exploration increase trade?

Yes, but slowly and with limitations

What is the overall judgement of Elizabethan exploration?

Laid foundations for empire but limited immediate success