Notes on Early Phases of World Exploration

Early Phases of World Exploration

  • Pioneering Nations:
    • Portugal and Spain were the leaders in global exploration from the 15th century.
    • Objectives included securing direct trade routes to Eastern regions such as China, Korea, and primarily India.
Portuguese Exploration

  • Mapping the Coast:

    • Portuguese explorers charted the western coast of Africa in search of a maritime route to India, establishing trade posts along the coast.

  • Innovations Facilitating Exploration:

    • Caravel:
    • A smaller, maneuverable ship allowing sailors to navigate closer to shore effectively.
    • Accurate Portolan Maps:
    • Enhanced navigation techniques leading to better directional accuracy.

  • Vasco de Gama's Achievement:

    • In 1498, he was the first to arrive directly in India by sea, opening the sea route significantly.

  • European Technological Advancements:

    • Development of gunpowder weaponry (cannons) gave an edge in military power, enabling smaller European forces to overpower larger empires, such as the Ottoman Empire.
Spanish Exploration

  • Inspiration from Portuguese Success:

    • Following Portugal's achievements, Spain commenced its exploratory missions.

  • Christopher Columbus:

    • In 1492, Columbus, financed by the Spanish Crown, aimed for a western passage to India but instead landed in the Americas.
    • Mistakenly referred to the indigenous populations as "Indians."

  • Surge in Exploratory Expeditions:

    • The discovery of the Americas incited increased exploration, often funded by royal patrons and nobles.
    • Notable patrons include Henry the Navigator of Portugal and the Spanish Monarchy.

  • Conquistadors:

    • Minor nobles termed as conquistadors funded their pursuits for wealth, land, and status.
    • Noteworthy Conquistadors:
    • Hermann Cortez: Known for his conquest of the Aztecs.
    • Francisco Pizarro: Known for his conquest of the Incas.
Motivations for Exploration: The Three G's
  • God:
    • The ambition to propagate Christianity.
  • Gold:
    • The quest for wealth and natural resources.
  • Glory:
    • The desire for fame and recognition.
Columbian Exchange

  • Definition:

    • The Columbian Exchange encapsulates the transfer of goods, crops, and diseases between the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia) and the New World (Americas).

  • Goods and Crops Exchanged:

    • From New World to Old World:

    • Tobacco, Corn, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Pumpkins, Cacao (chocolate), Coffee, Rice, Okra, Livestock

    • From Old World to New World:

    • Wheat

  • Diseases:

    • New World diseases: Syphilis

    • Old World diseases (catastrophic for New World populations):

    • Measles, Smallpox, Influenza

    • Impact:

    • An estimated 90% of the New World population perished due to susceptibility to Old World diseases, causing a significant demographic change.