European Exploration in the Americas 1.3 ( 1491- 1607)

Reasons for European Exploration

Population increase, political unification, desire for luxury goods, and controlled land routes.

Political Unification

Powerful monarchs took control of their regions, fostering exploration.

Desire for Luxury Goods

The wealthy upper class sought goods from Asia due to agricultural and commercial profits.

Controlled Land Routes

Land routes from Europe to Asia were controlled by Muslims, necessitating new pathways.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Founded a trading post empire along the African coast and influenced exploration into the Indian Ocean.

Caravels

Ships designed for trade rather than warfare, enabling exploration.

Astrolabe

An instrument used for navigation that helped explorers determine latitude.

Stern-Post Rudder

A technological advancement in ship design that improved maneuverability.

Isabella and Ferdinand

Unified Spain under the Catholic Church and motivated exploration, particularly to spread Christianity.

Christopher Columbus

An explorer who sought a route to Asia by sailing west, landing in San Salvador in 1492.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World after Columbus's voyage.