Age of Exploration Study Guide

China's trade policy during the Age of Exploration

Limited trade to specific ports and followed isolationism.

Required tribute for China

China required tribute from foreign nations under its imperial policy.

Sakoku

Japan's closed country policy that isolated them from the outside world.

Reason for China's isolationism

To protect culture from foreign influence.

Motivation for Japanese isolation

Fear of European influence, especially Christianity.

Zheng He's expeditions

Display Chinese power, collect tribute, and increase trade connections.

Ferdinand Magellan's purpose

Find a western route to Asia; first to circumnavigate the globe.

Hernán Cortés' objective

Conquer the Aztec Empire and claim gold for Spain.

Spanish colonies' motivation

Spreading Catholicism, gaining wealth, and expanding Spanish Empire.

Columbus' primary goals

Find a western route to Asia, spread Christianity, and gain wealth for Spain.

Treatment of natives by Spanish colonizers

Harsh labor under encomienda system and spread of diseases led to population decline.

English colonies' economic focus

Trade, land for farming, and economic opportunities.

French relations with Native Americans

Generally cooperative, forming trade alliances based on mutual fur trade.

Dutch trading interests

Focused on trade and not settlement, leading to moderate relations with Native Americans.