Age of Discovery

Definition

The Age of Discovery, spanning from the 15th to the 17th century, was a period marked by extensive exploration and maritime expansion across the globe, particularly by European powers. This era significantly shaped global interactions, leading to the establishment of new trade routes, the exchange of cultures, and the beginning of European colonization in various regions, including the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Discovery led to significant advancements in navigation, including the use of compasses and astrolabes, which allowed sailors to explore previously uncharted waters.
2. European nations such as Spain, Portugal, France, and England competed fiercely for control over new territories and trade routes during this period.
3. This era saw the establishment of European colonies in the Americas, which profoundly impacted indigenous populations through colonization and disease.
4. The Age of Discovery contributed to a new worldview in Europe, expanding knowledge about geography, cultures, and peoples beyond Europe’s borders.
5. The events during this time laid the groundwork for the global economy as we know it today, with trade networks connecting continents and fostering cultural exchanges.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in navigation technology during the Age of Discovery impact exploration efforts?
  • Advancements in navigation technology, such as the development of the compass and astrolabe, played a crucial role in enhancing exploration efforts during the Age of Discovery. These tools enabled sailors to determine their direction and latitude more accurately while at sea, allowing them to venture into unknown territories with greater confidence. This increased ability to navigate not only expanded geographical knowledge but also facilitated the establishment of new trade routes that were vital for economic growth.
• Analyze how the Age of Discovery influenced European economies and global trade patterns.
  • The Age of Discovery significantly influenced European economies by promoting mercantilist policies that emphasized acquiring wealth through trade and colonization. European powers sought to control valuable resources found in newly discovered lands, leading to competition for colonies and trade routes. As nations established these colonies, they created new markets for goods and services, transforming global trade patterns by linking Europe with Africa, Asia, and the Americas through established networks.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Age of Discovery on indigenous populations in newly colonized regions.
  • The long-term effects of the Age of Discovery on indigenous populations were profound and often devastating. The arrival of Europeans led to significant population declines due to violence, enslavement, and diseases brought from Europe that decimated native communities. Cultural disruptions occurred as European colonizers imposed their beliefs, languages, and social structures upon indigenous peoples. Additionally, these interactions set a precedent for future colonial relationships that would shape global dynamics for centuries to come.

Related terms

Christopher Columbus: An Italian explorer credited with discovering the Americas in 1492, which initiated widespread European exploration and colonization of the continent.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasized the role of government in managing trade and commerce to increase national wealth through a favorable balance of trade.

Columbian Exchange: The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.