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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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