Period 4: European Exploration and Expansion Flashcards
Why was Portugal the country that led the search for new, efficient trade routes on the seas?
- strategically situated near the coast of Africa
- had long-standing trade relations w/Muslim nations
- was led by a royal family that supported exploration (King John I of Portugal’s most famous son was Prince Henry the Navigator)
Who was Bartholomew Dias?
In 1488, Portugal financed a voyage by Bartholomew Dias, who rounded the tip of Africa (which became known as the Cape of Good Hope).
Who was Vasco da Gama?
In 1497, Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope, explored the east African kingdoms, and then went all the way to India, where he established trade relations.
Who was Christopher Columbus?
In 1492, Christopher Columbus convinced Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain to finance a voyage to reach the east by going west and ended up finding Cuba and the West Indies.
What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?
By 1494, Portugal and Spain were fighting over land in the newly found Americas. The Treaty of Tordesillas established a line of demarcation on a longitudinal line that runs through the western Atlantic Ocean. Everything to the east of the line belonged to Portugal and everything to the west of the line belonged to Spain (western side turned out to be enormous so Spain became a mega-power quickly),
Who was Amerigo Vespucci?
In 1500, Amerigo Vespucci explored South America on several trips. He realized the continent was huge and not part of Asia. America was named after him!
Who was Ponce de Leon?
In 1513, Ponce de Leon explored Florida for Spain in search of the fountain of youth.
Who was Vasco de Balboa?
In 1513, Vasco de Balboa explored much of Central America for Spain and laid sight on the Pacific Ocean.
Who was Ferdinand Magellan?
In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan sailed around the tip of South America to the Pacific Ocean for Portugal. He made it as far as the Philippines, where he died; his crew continued, however, and became the first to circumnavigate the globe.
Who was Giovanni da Verrazzano?
In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano explored the North American coast for France.
Who was Sir Francis Drake?
In 1578, Sir Francis Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.
Who was John Cabot?
In 1597, John Cabot explored the coast of North America for England.
Who was Henry Hudson?
In 1609, Henry Hudson sailed for the Dutch, looking for a Northwest Passage to Asia. He explored the Hudson River and made claims to the area for the Dutch.
What was the sternpost rudder?
- invented in China during the Han dynasty
- allowed for better navigation and control of ships of increasing size
What were lateen sails?
- invented during the early Roman Empire
- allowed ships to sail in any direction regardless of the wind
- helpful in the Indian Ocean waters where monsoons kept ships docked for long periods of time
