Factors Contributing to the European Discovery of Lands in the Western Hemisphere
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Factors contributing to the European discovery of lands in the Western Hemisphere 1. Demand for gold, spices, and natural resources in Europe 2. Support for the diffusion of Christianity 3. Political and economic competition between European empires 4. Innovations of European and Islamic origins in navigational arts 5. Pioneering role of Prince Henry the Navigator Factors contributing to the European discovery of lands in the Western Hemisphere 1. Demand for gold, spices, and natural resources in Europe Introduced to luxury items during Crusades (1096-1270) 1st Spices from the east (Asia): nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon & pepper 2nd Gold and Silver from the west (Americas) Natural resources from both Factors contributing to the European discovery of lands in the Western Hemisphere 2. Support for the diffusion of Christianity European hostility from Crusades Conversion of non-Christians in Asia and later Native Americans (forced when Europeans go west) Factors contributing to the European discovery of lands in the Western Hemisphere 3. Political and economic competition between European empires Portugal 1st led Europe in trade to Asia; Vasco da Gama to Calicut, India Spain 1st led Europe in trade to Americas; Columbus to the Caribbean Islands (Hispaniola); thought in Asia Treaty of Tordesillas: signed in 1494, divided the new world between Portugal (Brazil) & Spain (rest of Americas) Factors contributing to the European discovery of lands in the Western Hemisphere 4. Innovations of European and Islamic origins in navigational arts. Caravel (ship) had lateen (triangular) sails to sail into wind (tacking) Mariner’s Astrolabe (Muslim): uses the sun, planets, and stars to figure out latitude (north & south) Magnetic Compass (Chinese) Factors contributing to the European discovery of lands in the Western Hemisphere 5. Pioneering role of Prince Henry the Navigator Portuguese prince; devout Christian 1415, helped to defeat Muslim city of Ceuta (N. Africa) Inspired by spices, gold, silver & jewels found in Ceuta 1419, founded navigation school for mapmakers, instrument makers, ship builders, scientists & sea captains Establishment of overseas empires and decimation of indigenous populations European Explorers European Explorers • Vasco da Gama • Portugal • 1497-1498 – direct sea route to Asia – first European ship to reach Calicut, India – spices, silk, and gems European Explorers • Christopher Columbus • Spain • 1492-1493 – Italian explorer; headed west for sea route to Asia – arrived Bahamas (Caribbean Islands); Hispaniola – led to European colonization of Americas European Explorers • Hernando Cortez • Spain • 1519 – landed in modern-day Mexico – conquered the Aztec Empire (Montezuma II) – superior weaponry, help from other natives, disease Montezuma II European Explorers • Francisco Pizarro • Spain • 1532 – marched into South America (Peru) – conquered the Incan Empire (Atahualpa) – Atahualpa made deal to live if he gave Pizarro what he wanted ; was killed anyway European Explorers • Ferdinand Magellan • Spain • 1519 – Portuguese explorer backed by Spain – first to sail around South America & circumnavigate Earth for Europe – fraction of the crew (minus Magellan) made it back to Spain, 1522 European Explorers • Francis Drake • England • 1580 – sea captain turned pirate; ripping off Spanish ships for gold & silver – first Englishmen to circumnavigate earth – took control of Spanish seaports in Caribbean European Explorers • Jacques Cartier • France • 1534 – search for Northwest Passage to Asia – sailed up St. Lawrence River to present-day Montreal (Quebec) – claimed much of eastern Canada for France .