SAMPLE US History

Chapter 2: Age of Exploration

Overview

This chapter first discusses the main reasons that sparked the Age of Exploration, especially the impact of Christopher Columbus. Other explorers, particularly European explorers, are also covered. Additionally, the economic systems and treaties that were formed during the Age of Exploration are also tackled. Learning Objectives ● Explain the reasons that drove the Age of Exploration ● Discuss the impact of Christopher Columbus and other explorers on Native Americans ● Describe the concepts of mercantilism, triangular trade, slave trade, as well as the hacienda and encomienda system ● Identify the prominent explorers and their notable accomplishments A. The Expansion of Europe When did the Age of Exploration begin? The Age of Exploration, also called the Age of Discovery, started in the late 1400s and ended in the 1600s. When the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, it blocked European access to important trading posts. The Europeans' search to bypass, sailing into the Atlantic, led to the Northwest Passage. This route was sought by early explorers looking for a route to Asia to preserve the wealthy silk and spice trades. In 1492, Columbus hit the New World and launched an explosion of interest, causing new explorers to attempt to find uncharted land. These Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of trading partners, new goods, and new trade routes. B. The Influence of Christopher Columbus on the Age of Exploration At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

Five hundred years after the Vikings, Europeans returned to the Americas. Columbus wanted to find the “ New World ” to search for a faster and easier route to Asia. He believed that the world is round, but failed to anticipate two giant landmasses when he set sail in September 1492. After a month of sailing, he thought that he arrived in the East Indies and called the Native Americans he met “Indians.” He made three more trips and discovered countries in modern-day South America.

© 2023 ACHIEVE ULTIMATE CREDIT-BY-EXAM GUIDE | UNITED STATES HISTORY