1.12.6

The Age of Exploration 1

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The Age of Exploration

In this section, we will be discovering how the Age of Exploration during the Renaissance expanded the known world and changed the course of history.

Introduction

Introduction

  • The Renaissance was not just about amazing art and new scientific ideas.
    • It was also a time when explorers set sail to discover new lands, find trade routes, and learn about the world beyond Europe.
Why did people explore?

Why did people explore?

  • People wanted to find new routes to trade with Asia for valuable spices, silk and other goods.
    • The old land routes to Asia were long and dangerous.
    • Finding a sea route promised quicker and safer access to these riches.
Expansion

Expansion

  • Many explorers also aimed to spread Christianity to new lands.
    • Alongside traders, missionaries travelled to spread their faith.
  • Kings and queens wanted to expand their empires and become more powerful by claiming new territories.
    • Establishing colonies in new lands allowed European countries to grow their influence and control over global trade.
Key Explorers & Their Discoveries

Key Explorers & Their Discoveries

  • Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer sponsored by Spain.
    • In 1492, he set sail and discovered the Americas, opening up a new world for Europeans.
  • Columbus made four voyages to the New World, exploring the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America.
New Trading Route

New Trading Route

  • Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who was the first to reach India by sea in 1498.
    • Da Gama’s successful voyage established a direct route between Europe and Asia, boosting trade.
The World’s Geography

The World’s Geography

  • Ferdinand Magellan led the first expedition to sail around the world, proving that the Earth was round.
    • Although Magellan was killed in the Philippines, his expedition completed the journey, providing valuable information about the world’s geography.
Jump to other topics
1

Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1

The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2

The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3

The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4

The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5

Medieval Religion

1.6

The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7

How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8

Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9

Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10

Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11

Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12

European Renaissance

1.13

Norman Conquest & Control

1.14

Historical Skills

2

The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1

Anglo-Saxon England

2.2

The Contest for the English Throne

2.3

Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4

King John

2.5

The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6

The Black Death

3

Worldviews

4

The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5

The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6

The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7

The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8

Religion in the Middle Ages

9

Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10

The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11

The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12

US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13

The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14

The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15

Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16

World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17

The Russian Revolution: 1917 AD

18

The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

19

World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

20

The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

21

Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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