Age of Exploration Introduction

Objective: Investigate the cause and impact of Age of Exploration.

At the same time that Europe was swept up in the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution, other major changes were taking place in the world. These changes originated in Europe, but soon spread to other continents. The changes began with a series of voyages during the 1400s, 1500s, and early 1600s when European explorers ventured into the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Imagine undertaking an expedition without Internet research, communication devices, travel technology, and global positioning systems. With today’s technology, it is hard to fathom embarking on a voyage across an unknown ocean.

Would you be willing to undertake such a voyage?

Take a look at the map below of the different routes and expeditions that were taken during this time of exploration:

Watch today's video slides to learn the 'When, Where, What, Who, How, and Why' of the Age of Exploration!

ONE MORE TIME, WHY DID EUROPEANS WANT TO EXPLORE?

The desire for new sources of wealth was the main reason for European exploration. Through overseas exploration, merchants and traders hoped ultimately to benefit from what had become a profitable business in Europe: the trade of spices and other luxury goods from Asia.

The people of Europe were introduced to these items during the Crusades - the wars fought between Christians and Muslims from 1096 to 1270. After the Crusades ended, Europeans continued to demand spices such as nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and pepper, all of which added flavor to the bland foods of Europe. Because demand for these goods was greater than the supply, merchants could charge high prices and thus make great profits.

The Muslims and the Italians controlled the trade of goods from East to West. Muslims sold Asian goods to Italian merchants, who controlled trade across the land routes of the Mediterranean region. The Italian merchants resold the items at increased prices to merchants throughout Europe. Other European traders did not like this arrangement. Paying such high prices to the Italians severely cut into their own profits. By the 1400s, European merchants—as well as the new monarchs of England, Spain, Portugal,and France—sought to bypass the Italian merchants. This meant finding a sea route directly to Asia.

Kings who sponsored voyages of exploration gained overseas colonies, new sources of wealth for their nation, and increased power. Exploration also presented Europeans the opportunity to rise from poverty and gain fame, fortune, and status.

European Christians, especially Catholics, wanted to stop the spread of Islam and convert non-Christians to their faith. Explorers were encouraged to spread Christianity or bring missionaries who would focus only on conversions.

Check out this somewhat sassy review of Columbus, de Gama, and Zheng He!

Don't forget to take the quiz!