English Sailors

Question 1

When did Drake’s circumnavigation happen?

Answer 1

1. Between 1577 and 1580.

Question 2

What was the age of discovery?

Answer 2

1. The Elizabethan era was a time of great discovery and exploration for many European countries.
2. England, keen to keep up with Spain, also began to seek out new lands and trade oportunities.
3. In 1577, Sir Francis Drake set off from Plymouth on what would be one of the greatest voyages of the era.

Question 3

Who was Sir Francis Drake?

Answer 3

1. Drake was a privateer famous for his attacks on Spanish ships and Spanish ports, but also for his involvement in the slave trade.
2. Both of these factors made Drake, Elizabeth, and many other English nobles very wealthy.

Question 4

What technology played a vital role in the circumnavigation?

Answer 4

1. Higher-quality, stronger and faster ships with new lateen sails and better defensive weapons made sailing through hostile waters safer.
2. The astrolabe allowed for much more accurate navigation.

Question 5

What happened when Drake returned?

Answer 5

1. Drake and his backers made a huge amount from their investments, with half of the money going to the queen.
2. This improved Englands financial situation, and built new opportunities for trade around the world.
3. It was also used as propoganda to show that England was an important and powerful country, and able to compete with spain.

Question 6

What was the significance of the trade with Asia?

Answer 6

1. Companies began to establish with the purpose of trading in particular areas.
2. The Muscovy company was created in 1555 and given the monopoly of trade and given the monopolo of trade with the city of Moscow in Russia.