Age of Exploration

Definition

The Age of Exploration, spanning the 15th to the 17th century, was a period marked by European maritime exploration and the search for new trade routes, lands, and resources. This era significantly influenced global interactions and led to the establishment of colonies, which were often justified by the spread of Christianity through missionary efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Exploration began in earnest with the voyages of explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama in the late 15th century, leading to the discovery of new continents and trade routes.
2. European powers such as Spain, Portugal, England, and France engaged in fierce competition for territory and resources, resulting in colonization efforts that had lasting impacts on indigenous populations.
3. Missionary activities were integral to colonial expansion, as explorers often viewed their conquests as opportunities to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity, thus intertwining faith with imperialism.
4. The Columbian Exchange occurred during this period, facilitating the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and New World, drastically altering ecosystems and societies on both sides.
5. The Age of Exploration set the stage for global trade networks that would flourish in subsequent centuries, fundamentally reshaping economies and cultures across the globe.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Exploration influence European attitudes towards indigenous populations?
  • The Age of Exploration significantly impacted European attitudes towards indigenous populations as explorers often viewed these groups through a lens of superiority. Many Europeans believed it was their divine duty to civilize and convert indigenous peoples to Christianity. This mindset contributed to justifications for colonialism and exploitation, leading to the destruction of many native cultures and societies.
• Discuss the relationship between mercantilism and the expansionist policies of European powers during the Age of Exploration.
  • Mercantilism played a crucial role in shaping the expansionist policies of European powers during the Age of Exploration. Under this economic theory, nations sought to increase their wealth through trade surplus and territorial acquisitions. Consequently, countries invested heavily in exploration to discover new lands rich in resources, establish colonies for raw materials, and create markets for their manufactured goods. This relentless pursuit of economic gain fueled rivalries among nations and drove exploration efforts.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of missionary expansion during the Age of Exploration on both European societies and indigenous cultures.
  • The long-term consequences of missionary expansion during the Age of Exploration were profound for both European societies and indigenous cultures. For Europeans, missionary efforts often reinforced religious zeal and a sense of purpose tied to imperialism. However, for indigenous peoples, these missions frequently resulted in cultural erasure and significant social upheaval as traditional beliefs were undermined or outright banned. This clash led to complex legacies where some native groups adopted elements of Christianity while resisting other aspects imposed by colonial powers, creating a blended cultural landscape that persists today.

Related terms

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring control over foreign territories, establishing settlements, and exploiting resources, often justified by the desire to spread culture and religion.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonial expansion, driving European powers to seek new territories.

Missionaries: Individuals or groups sent to promote their religious beliefs in foreign lands, often playing a key role in the cultural exchange during the Age of Exploration.