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The Age of Exploration. Focus Question. What factors might convince someone to leave their home?. 15 th Century Europe. Earlier customs weakening Growth of scientific reasoning Rise of the Nation-State Reformation saw a splintering of Christianity. Desire for Wealth.
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Focus Question • What factors might convince someone to leave their home?
15th Century Europe • Earlier customs weakening • Growth of scientific reasoning • Rise of the Nation-State • Reformation saw a splintering of Christianity
Desire for Wealth • Lacked resources in Europe • Required to look overseas • Spice trade dominated by Turks and Italians • Western Europeans looked to the Atlantic
Breakthroughs • By 1490, Western Europe poised for a break through • Maritime technology had developed • Modern states were forming • Knowledge spread through the printing press • Nation-States solidifying
Technological Challenges • Obstacles in sailing to Asia • Strong prevailing winds in the Atlantic • Rough ocean waves swamped ships • Roots of the “World is Flat Myth
Technological Advances • Development of the Lateen Sail • Allows ships to tack against the wind • Portuguese development of the Caravel • Sturdy, ocean-going ship • Promoted Portuguese exploration • Set up coasts along African coast • Reached India by 1498
Impact of Columbus • Columbian Exchange • Largest transfer of species in world history • Transformed global ecosystems
Growth of Spanish Power • American wealth flowed to Spain • Used to build military strength • Others wanted access to the same • Spain forced to fortify colonial northern borders • Led to propaganda • “The Black Legend”