European exploration

1. Analyze the motives for European exploration.

*The main goals were Gold, Glory, and God. The Spanish were determined to find gold, and Christopher Columbus (who came from Spain) was in search of a passage to India for trade routes. The Spanish were also looking for El Dorado, or the city of gold, and they (along with the French) were looking to spread Christianity. The English were looking to colonize (which they did in North America) to expand the ever-growing British Empire.

2. Describe the three main technological advancements that facilitated exploration.

*The compass was a Chinese invention to help with direction. Sailors used this as a guide. Another major advancement was the invention of the astrolabe. The astrolabe determined the latitude based off of the angle of the sun or pole star above the horizon. This helped sailors known and report their location. Lastly, triangular "lateen" sails aided in exploration. They were extremely maneuverable and were able to catch wind comeing from the sides or even behind. This helped the sailors to make better time while traveling.

5. Describe the trading-post empire of the Portuguese.

*Began in the 16th century, Instead of conquering an entire nation, European states would establish trading-posts in an attempt to force merchant vessels to call at fortified trading sites and pay duties there.

4. Analyze the significance of Magellan’s voyages. 

During his travels he was able to find a western sea route to the rich Spice Islands of Indonesia. He also discovered what is know known as the Strait of Magellan, which is located near the tip of South America.

By: Alex Freeman

3. Describe the early success of Portuguese explorers like, Vasco da Gama.

3 Main Early Explorers-

*Vasco da Gama: left Lisbon with an army of ships headed for India, upon his return he learned that what little he did get was very profitable, which encouraged more voyages to India and new strategies for getting there

*Dom Henrique: conquered Moroccan port of Ceuta, sent a series of voyages down Western Africa, merchants established strategic ports along the coast. Henrique's legacy continued as trade only increased in these ports after his death

*Christopher Columbus: Made a new route of getting to Asian markets, he believed a voyage from Europe to Asia would be profitable, got sponsorship from Spain and departed with 3 ships in August 1492. He searched all over the islands looking for gold and returned to Spain reporting that he had found the islands just off the coast of Asia