explorations and voyages of discovery

• War against Spain, trouble in Netherlands, collapse of cloth trade led to people wanting to explore globe for trade and profit

• Voyages of discovery- financed by queen- lots of treasure brought back- popular among wealthy

• Ship design improved, firepower increased, stability improved, allowed people to travel further, adventure, exploration and gaining wealth and status was appealing

• Slave trade- goods to Africa for slaves which are taken to be sold- money generated used to purchase cargo to take to England

• Sir Francis drake- 1577 and 1580 journeyed around globe (circumnavigation) motivated by dislike of Spanish who killed most his men

  • Sail to attack Spain

  • Puritan- weaken catholic powers

  • Gold, treasure, land, increase England’s power, establish new trade routeS

  • 5 ships 154 sailors- around Brazil

  • 1578 attacks against Spanish settlements- gained lot of wealth

  • Increased England’s reputation at sea

  • England navy seen in new light- given more responsibilities

  • Worsened relations to Spain

The desire for trade and profit spurred exploration during conflicts with Spain and the decline of the cloth trade. Queen-funded voyages of discovery returned with treasures, appealing to the wealthy. Advancements in ship design and firepower allowed for longer journeys, with the allure of adventure and wealth. The slave trade involved shipping goods to Africa for enslaved people, who were sold for profit to fund more ventures. Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation from 1577 to 1580 aimed to attack Spanish forces due to personal grievances, leading to attacks on Spanish settlements, boosting England’s maritime reputation and causing tensions with Spain. Drake’s expedition involved 5 ships and 154 sailors, gaining significant wealth and enhancing England’s naval prestige.