sign in sign up
<<
Home , Western Hemisphere

Factors contributing to the European discovery of lands in the Western Hemisphere

1. Demand for gold, spices, and natural resources in 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 (): nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon & pepper  2nd Gold and Silver from the west ()  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 (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  1st led Europe in trade to Asia; Vasco da Gama to Calicut, India  1st led Europe in trade to Americas; Columbus to the Islands (); thought in Asia  Treaty of Tordesillas: signed in 1494, divided the 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 (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. )  Inspired by spices, gold, silver & jewels found in Ceuta  1419, founded navigation school for mapmakers, instrument makers, ship builders, scientists & 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 – conquered the Aztec Empire (Montezuma II) – superior weaponry, help from other natives, disease

Montezuma II European Explorers

• Francisco Pizarro • Spain • 1532 – marched into (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 for Europe – fraction of the crew (minus Magellan) made it back to Spain, 1522

European Explorers

• Francis Drake • • 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 • • 1534 – search for Northwest Passage to Asia – sailed up St. Lawrence River to present-day Montreal (Quebec) – claimed much of eastern for France