Age of Discovery

Definition

The Age of Discovery, spanning from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, was a period marked by extensive exploration and mapping of the world by European powers. This era significantly transformed global trade, culture, and scientific knowledge, leading to the rise of colonial empires and the establishment of new trade routes, which were often illustrated through innovative cartographic techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Discovery was initiated by major voyages led by explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan, who sought new trade routes and territories.
2. Innovations in navigational tools such as the astrolabe and magnetic compass greatly improved the accuracy of sea travel during this period.
3. Maps produced during the Age of Discovery reflected not only geographic knowledge but also political ambitions, as European nations sought to claim new lands for their empires.
4. The introduction of new mapping techniques like portolan charts facilitated safer navigation and showcased detailed coastal outlines and landmarks.
5. The discoveries made during this era had lasting impacts on global trade patterns, leading to the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas known as the Columbian Exchange.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in cartographic illustration techniques influence exploration during the Age of Discovery?
  • Advancements in cartographic illustration techniques played a crucial role in facilitating exploration during the Age of Discovery. As explorers embarked on voyages to discover new lands, they relied on increasingly sophisticated maps that provided accurate representations of coastlines, currents, and landmarks. Improved mapping allowed navigators to venture further into unknown waters with greater confidence, leading to significant discoveries and the establishment of trade routes.
• Discuss how the Age of Discovery reshaped global trade dynamics and its implications for cartography.
  • The Age of Discovery dramatically reshaped global trade dynamics by opening up new routes for commerce between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. As European powers established colonies and sought resources from newly discovered territories, cartography became essential for documenting these regions and facilitating trade. Maps not only helped navigate these new trade routes but also reflected the growing political power of colonial empires, showcasing their ambitions through detailed representations.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of cartographic developments during the Age of Discovery on modern mapping practices.
  • The long-term impacts of cartographic developments during the Age of Discovery have profoundly influenced modern mapping practices. The innovations in map-making techniques introduced during this period set foundational principles that still apply today. Modern maps continue to utilize concepts such as scale, projection, and symbolization that were refined during this era. Additionally, the cultural exchanges sparked by these discoveries have led to a more interconnected world, where accurate mapping remains crucial for understanding global geography and international relations.

Related terms

Cartography: The art and science of map-making, which advanced significantly during the Age of Discovery as explorers documented newly discovered lands.

Exploration: The act of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area to learn about it, which was a driving force behind the Age of Discovery.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often resulting in the establishment of settlements and economic exploitation, heavily influenced by discoveries made during this age.