The Beginning of the Age of Exploration

Question 1

Spain and Portugal in the 15th Century

Answer 1

• not terribly strong countries
• limited resources and land
• turn focus toward sea

Question 2

Asia in the 15th Century

Answer 2

• perceived as the source of luxury, wealth, and goods

- Spain and Portugal wish to trade overseas with them

Question 3

Fall of Constantiople

Answer 3

(1453)

• complicates trade traditions
• inventions of gun powder
• fall to the Ottoman

Question 4

Muslim and Italian traders in the 15th Century

Answer 4

• have a monopoly on trade in the Mediterranean sea

- Spain and Portugal have difficulty trading through here

Question 5

T & O Map

Answer 5

(1460’s)

how God sees the world, three constants

Question 6

Reconquista

Answer 6

warfare on the part of Iberian Christians against Muslims

Question 7

Portuguese Exploration

Answer 7

• complete Reconquista (concern about Muslims)
• oriented toward the sea (Portuguese gov’t encourages overseas exploration, mapmaking, ship architecture)
• war with Castile ends (1411)
• interest in Africa (expand and/or trade with)

Question 8

Portuguese Voyages

Answer 8

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Question 9

Cantino World Map

Answer 9

(1502)

• Europe and Africa are the only well drawn areas
• South America, North America, and Australia are poor represented

Question 10

Isabella of Castile

Answer 10

• marries Ferdinand of Aragon
• causes rebellions b/c people are scared of the alliance
• wears the pants in the relationship b/c she has more power

Question 11

Christopher Columbus

Answer 11

• studies maps and Marco Polo
• concludes that world is 18,000 miles in circumference
• talks to Queen Isabella and she agrees to give him 3 ships and her support
• reward: become the vice-lord, 10% of profit of anything he finds, become of noble position
• when he finds Cuba, thinks its Japan; thinks Bahamas are islands off the coast of Japan
• crew turns against Columbus
• Isabella strips him of all rewards