Ch. 14: European Exploration and Conquest

• China

  Dominated the Exploration Age for a while in the beginning of the 1400's. After the death of Admiral Zheng He and the emperor, Europe was able to rise to power.
• India

  Played a major role in the trading world with textiles, copper weapons, incense, dyes, and opium. Not as powerful in the exploration aspect of this age.
• Slavery

  Both Eastern European and Western African slaves were taken by Africans, Muslims, and Europeans during the Age of Exploration.
• Mali

  West African empire that played an important role in the trade world, especially of the sought after gold. Was also involved in exploration, but not to the extent of the Europeans.
• Trade Routes

  Because the Ottoman Empire dominated the East trade routes, Europeans felt they needed to find alternative routes to reach the Indies and Asian trading posts.
• Venetian Merchants

  Were not as well versed in trade as Asian merchants because they didn't have highly desired goods to sell. Made their money elsewhere in shipping industries, selling of firearms and slave trade.
• Genoese Merchants

  Aided in financing the Spanish colonization of the New World; Big competitors of Venetian merchants
• Atlantic Slave Trade

  Genoese and Venetian merchants played a huge role in and heavily influenced this trade.
• Spices

  Highly sought after for religious, sexual, medicinal, and hygienic purposes.
• Conquistadors

  Spanish soldier-explorers who sought to conquer the New World in the name of the Spanish monarchy; Cortes and Pizarro.
• Sailors

  Went to sea to escape poverty back at home. They were faced with harsh ship conditions such as cramped quarters and lice infestations.
• Literature

  Heavily influenced perceptions of "otherworldly", fictional people in the minds of readers; Columbus carried copies of 'The Travels of Sir John Mandeville' and 'The Travels of Marco Polo' with him on his own travels.
• Caravel

  A 3-mast, small, maneuverable sailing ship produced by the Portuguese in the 15th c. The ship gave them an advantage in both battle and exploration. Was smaller than a galley but held more cargo so preferred.
• Ptolemy's Geography

  2nd c. work that synthesized the Classical study of geography and longitudes/latitudes. Was reintroduced by Arab scholars in 15th c. and allowed for more accurate cartography.
• Influences on European Explorers

  Relied on the knowledge of the Chinese, Muslim, Indian Ocean, and Classic world's productions and goods. China: Gunpowder, Compass and Sternpost Rudder. Classical Greece/Muslims: Astrolabe.
• Henry the "Navigator"

  A 15th c. Prince who supported the study of geography and navigation. Sponsored an annual expedition down the West Coast of Africa.
• Portugal/Spain

  Rivals during this age but both used Gold, Glory, and God as means for exploration.
• Vasco De Gama

  Portuguese explorer who was the first to sail around the Cape of Africa to reached India in pursuit of a new trade route.
• Christopher Columbus

  A Genoese explorer who, in the name of the Spanish monarchy, sought out the Canary Islands and East Asia as a means to ensure new trade routes and spread Christianity. Dubbed Caribbean peoples "Indians" because he thought he landed in the East Indies (was actually contemporary West Indies).