The Age of ExplorationThe Age of ExplorationHarris – Modern World HistoryHarris – Modern World History

Unit 2Unit 2

Why did people start to explore?Why did people start to explore?

As people grew more interested in learning As people grew more interested in learning during the Renaissance, they began to ask more during the Renaissance, they began to ask more questions. Some of these questions dealt with questions. Some of these questions dealt with what was out beyond their boarders. As what was out beyond their boarders. As knowledge grew, technology advanced and knowledge grew, technology advanced and people were able to explore further and further people were able to explore further and further away from their shores.away from their shores.

The 3 “G’s” of exploration – Most early explorers The 3 “G’s” of exploration – Most early explorers were inspired by one or more of the following: were inspired by one or more of the following: god, gold, or glory. In other words, religion, god, gold, or glory. In other words, religion, money, or fame.money, or fame.

Portugal Starts ThingsPortugal Starts Things PortugalPortugal was the first nation to really begin was the first nation to really begin

exploring. In 1420, Prince Henry the Navigator exploring. In 1420, Prince Henry the Navigator began exploring along the western coast of began exploring along the western coast of Africa. He soon discovered gold and named this Africa. He soon discovered gold and named this part of the continent the Gold Coast.part of the continent the Gold Coast.

In 1488, Bartholomeu Dias rounded the tip of In 1488, Bartholomeu Dias rounded the tip of Africa and named it the Cape of Good hope.Africa and named it the Cape of Good hope.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama established a trading In 1498, Vasco da Gama established a trading route to Calicut, India. Despite losing most of his route to Calicut, India. Despite losing most of his ships and 75% of his crew, da Gama’s trip still ships and 75% of his crew, da Gama’s trip still made a profit of 3000% off of the spice he made a profit of 3000% off of the spice he brought back.brought back.

Portugal Starts ThingsPortugal Starts Things The Portuguese continued to return to the The Portuguese continued to return to the

area to fight the Muslims for control of the area to fight the Muslims for control of the spice trade. In 1510, Afonso de spice trade. In 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque established the first Albuquerque established the first European owned port in Asia, Goa. Soon European owned port in Asia, Goa. Soon Albuquerque sailed to Melaka on the Albuquerque sailed to Melaka on the Malay Peninsula. Once he took control of Malay Peninsula. Once he took control of this area, the Portuguese had control of this area, the Portuguese had control of the spice trade in Asia. From here, the the spice trade in Asia. From here, the Portuguese launched voyages to the Portuguese launched voyages to the Spice Islands and ChinaSpice Islands and China

Spain Joins the RaceSpain Joins the Race Spain grew concerned as their neighbor’s wealth Spain grew concerned as their neighbor’s wealth

and power continued to increase. and power continued to increase. In Italy, a young man named Christopher In Italy, a young man named Christopher

Columbus was certain that a sort cut existed Columbus was certain that a sort cut existed between Europe and Asia. He attempted to find between Europe and Asia. He attempted to find investors that would support a trip to find this investors that would support a trip to find this “Northwest Passage.” Italians were not “Northwest Passage.” Italians were not interested in funding such a venture. This was interested in funding such a venture. This was because their were many investment because their were many investment opportunities at home and it was felt that it was opportunities at home and it was felt that it was too risky.too risky.

Columbus realized Spain would be likely to back Columbus realized Spain would be likely to back his expedition and was able to persuade Queen his expedition and was able to persuade Queen Isabella to finance the trip. In 1492 he set sail.Isabella to finance the trip. In 1492 he set sail.

Spain Joins the RaceSpain Joins the Race With the money from the Queen, With the money from the Queen,

Columbus set about gathering a crew. He Columbus set about gathering a crew. He told people that the trip would make them told people that the trip would make them famous and rich, best of all it would be a famous and rich, best of all it would be a short trip. Unfortunately, Columbus was short trip. Unfortunately, Columbus was making a mistake when he envisioned the making a mistake when he envisioned the globe. Columbus knew the globe was globe. Columbus knew the globe was round, however he thought it was a strait round, however he thought it was a strait shot from Europe west to Asia. He didn’t shot from Europe west to Asia. He didn’t know that the Americas were in the way.know that the Americas were in the way.

Spain Joins the RaceSpain Joins the Race

After being on the ocean for much longer than After being on the ocean for much longer than promised and barely avoiding mutiny, Columbus promised and barely avoiding mutiny, Columbus and his men arrived on the islands of Cuba and and his men arrived on the islands of Cuba and then Hispaniola. He thought he was in India, then Hispaniola. He thought he was in India, which is why natives were referred to as Indians which is why natives were referred to as Indians and the area to this day is called the West and the area to this day is called the West Indies. Through three subsequent voyages, Indies. Through three subsequent voyages, Columbus thought he was in Asia, however he Columbus thought he was in Asia, however he really had just explored all the major Caribbean really had just explored all the major Caribbean Islands and Honduras. Islands and Honduras.

The AmericasThe Americas As Spain began to claim more and more in the As Spain began to claim more and more in the

Americas, Portugal became interested in the area. In Americas, Portugal became interested in the area. In order to avoid conflict, the two nations signed the Treaty order to avoid conflict, the two nations signed the Treaty of Tordesillas. The treaty was drawn by the pope and of Tordesillas. The treaty was drawn by the pope and established the Line of Demarcation. This line divided established the Line of Demarcation. This line divided the world into Portuguese and Spanish parts.the world into Portuguese and Spanish parts.

The AmericasThe Americas Soon other countries were Soon other countries were

sending explorers out to the sending explorers out to the Americas. The British sent Americas. The British sent John Cabot to explore the John Cabot to explore the coast of North America. coast of North America. Portugal sent Pedro Cabral Portugal sent Pedro Cabral to South America. A to South America. A Florentine named Amerigo Florentine named Amerigo Vespucci, took many trips to Vespucci, took many trips to the Americas and his the Americas and his descriptions written in letters descriptions written in letters were used to produce one of were used to produce one of the first maps of the area. the first maps of the area. This is how the region got its This is how the region got its name.name.

Spain Builds an EmpireSpain Builds an Empire With the Line of Demarcation in place, the With the Line of Demarcation in place, the

Spanish went about securing their new territory. Spanish went about securing their new territory. The islands of Cuba and Hispaniola were taken The islands of Cuba and Hispaniola were taken over and the natives were forced to become over and the natives were forced to become citizens of the Spanish empire.citizens of the Spanish empire.

As Spanish control of the area grew, native As Spanish control of the area grew, native products were taken back to Europe. Items such products were taken back to Europe. Items such as potatoes, cocoa, corn, and tobacco, all as potatoes, cocoa, corn, and tobacco, all became very popular in Europe. Spain also took became very popular in Europe. Spain also took the opportunity to grow items in the tropical the opportunity to grow items in the tropical climate. Products such as sugar, cotton, and climate. Products such as sugar, cotton, and vanilla, were all very valuable but only grew in vanilla, were all very valuable but only grew in tropical climates. This meant that they could not tropical climates. This meant that they could not be grown in Europe.be grown in Europe.

Cortes and the AztecsCortes and the Aztecs By the early 1500’s, Spain had control of most of By the early 1500’s, Spain had control of most of

the Caribbean islands and had begun to look at the Caribbean islands and had begun to look at invading Mexico next. The Cuban governor, invading Mexico next. The Cuban governor, Diego Velazquez, had commissioned two trips to Diego Velazquez, had commissioned two trips to Mexico to explore the coast. By 1518, a third trip Mexico to explore the coast. By 1518, a third trip was planed and Velazquez chose Hernan was planed and Velazquez chose Hernan Cortes to lead it. Cortes to lead it.

Cortes arrived in Mexico in the year 1519. Cortes arrived in Mexico in the year 1519. Before he left he had made plans to conquer the Before he left he had made plans to conquer the area and make a name for himself. Velazquez area and make a name for himself. Velazquez had discovered this and attempted to prevent had discovered this and attempted to prevent him from going on the trip, Cortes discovered him from going on the trip, Cortes discovered this an left early. This meant that Cortes was an this an left early. This meant that Cortes was an outlaw and only a successful conquest of the outlaw and only a successful conquest of the area could save his name.area could save his name.

Upon arrival in Mexico, Cortes established Upon arrival in Mexico, Cortes established the city of Vera Cruz (True Cross). By the city of Vera Cruz (True Cross). By becoming leader of the city, he was able to becoming leader of the city, he was able to free himself from the legal control of free himself from the legal control of Velazquez.Velazquez.

Cortes and his men were met by the Totonac people and Cortes and his men were met by the Totonac people and learned they were part of the Aztec empire. The Aztecs learned they were part of the Aztec empire. The Aztecs controlled their empire through force and Cortes was controlled their empire through force and Cortes was able to convince the Totonacs to help fight the Aztecs.able to convince the Totonacs to help fight the Aztecs.

As Cortes met with the Totonacs and built Vera Cruz, As Cortes met with the Totonacs and built Vera Cruz, word of his arrival reached the capital of the empire, word of his arrival reached the capital of the empire, Tenochtitlan. The ruler of the empire, Moctezuma II, sent Tenochtitlan. The ruler of the empire, Moctezuma II, sent a messenger to great Cortes with gifts of gold and ask a messenger to great Cortes with gifts of gold and ask him to leave. him to leave.

Once Moctezuma’s messenger gave Cortes the gold, Once Moctezuma’s messenger gave Cortes the gold, Cortes knew that conquest of the Aztec empire would be Cortes knew that conquest of the Aztec empire would be very profitable. He then set off for the capital but before very profitable. He then set off for the capital but before he left he ordered his ships burned. He felt that this he left he ordered his ships burned. He felt that this would show his men that success or death were the only would show his men that success or death were the only possible outcomes. possible outcomes.

Moctezuma’s Moctezuma’s messenger returned messenger returned to the capital and to the capital and described the events described the events that had taken place. that had taken place. Upon hearing this the Upon hearing this the religious elders grew religious elders grew concerned that Cortes concerned that Cortes was actually, was actually, Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl.

Quetzalcoatl was an ancient Mesoamerican god, Quetzalcoatl was an ancient Mesoamerican god, who existed in many different cultures. It was who existed in many different cultures. It was thought the he had lived with the Toltecs, who thought the he had lived with the Toltecs, who were an ancient tribe that was the foundation of were an ancient tribe that was the foundation of the Aztecs. The story was that Quetzalcoatl was the Aztecs. The story was that Quetzalcoatl was a priest/god that was run off after he began to a priest/god that was run off after he began to oppose human sacrifice. He then prophesied oppose human sacrifice. He then prophesied that he would return and the his return would that he would return and the his return would bring the end to the world. bring the end to the world.

Cortes’s return seemed to correspond to this Cortes’s return seemed to correspond to this story. The Aztec calendar is cyclical and has 52 story. The Aztec calendar is cyclical and has 52 years. Quetzalcoatl said that he would return in years. Quetzalcoatl said that he would return in the year one reed, 1519 happened to the year one reed, 1519 happened to correspond the that year. The location of his correspond the that year. The location of his arrival also matched up with were Quetzalcoatl arrival also matched up with were Quetzalcoatl was to return. This combined with horses and was to return. This combined with horses and guns, made people believe Cortes was a god.guns, made people believe Cortes was a god.

Cortes and the AztecsCortes and the Aztecs As Cortes made his way to Tenochtitlan As Cortes made his way to Tenochtitlan

he came across many different tribes. he came across many different tribes. Some of these tribes were part of the Some of these tribes were part of the Aztec empire and some were enemies of Aztec empire and some were enemies of it. One tribe, the Tlaxcalans, was a it. One tribe, the Tlaxcalans, was a confederacy of about 200 towns that had confederacy of about 200 towns that had fought off and on against the Aztecs. fought off and on against the Aztecs. Cortes was able to convince them to help Cortes was able to convince them to help him in his conquest of the Aztecs. He was him in his conquest of the Aztecs. He was also able to convince them to convert to also able to convince them to convert to Christianity and the four leaders of the Christianity and the four leaders of the group were baptized. group were baptized.

TenochtitlanTenochtitlan

Templo MayorTemplo Mayor

Cortes was warmly greeted in Tenochtitlan Cortes was warmly greeted in Tenochtitlan by Moctezuma. Moctezuma had his by Moctezuma. Moctezuma had his doubts that he was Quetzalcoatl, but could doubts that he was Quetzalcoatl, but could take the risk of treating him as if he wasn’t. take the risk of treating him as if he wasn’t. This allowed Cortes and his men close This allowed Cortes and his men close access to the ruler, this allowed the access to the ruler, this allowed the Spanish to capture and imprison Spanish to capture and imprison Moctezuma. Moctezuma.

Shortly after this, Velazquez sent a unit of Shortly after this, Velazquez sent a unit of soldiers to arrest Cortes. This forced soldiers to arrest Cortes. This forced Cortes to leave a few men in charge of Cortes to leave a few men in charge of Moctezuma and Tenochtitlan and take the Moctezuma and Tenochtitlan and take the rest back to the beach. rest back to the beach.

Cortes decided to attack the soldiers who Cortes decided to attack the soldiers who were sent to arrest him. After they were were sent to arrest him. After they were defeated, Cortes told them of Tenochtitlan defeated, Cortes told them of Tenochtitlan and they decided to join him.and they decided to join him.

While Cortes was away the Aztecs While Cortes was away the Aztecs attempted to revolt, this meant he was attempted to revolt, this meant he was returning to a city in chaos. Once back returning to a city in chaos. Once back Cortes force Moctezuma to speak to the Cortes force Moctezuma to speak to the people from the palace, but the people people from the palace, but the people threw rocks at him. Cortes at this point threw rocks at him. Cortes at this point knows the leader is useless and kills him. knows the leader is useless and kills him.

With the growing chaos, the Spanish tried to flee With the growing chaos, the Spanish tried to flee the city. As the left, many of the men attempted the city. As the left, many of the men attempted to grab as much gold as they could. This made to grab as much gold as they could. This made them easy targets as many of the bridges had them easy targets as many of the bridges had been removed from the causeways that linked been removed from the causeways that linked the city to the mainland.the city to the mainland.

Once on land, the remaining men followed Once on land, the remaining men followed Cortes back to the Tlaxcalans. Once their they Cortes back to the Tlaxcalans. Once their they regrouped and began to lay siege to regrouped and began to lay siege to Tenochtitlan. At the same time the Tlaxcalans Tenochtitlan. At the same time the Tlaxcalans and the other tribes that had agreed to support and the other tribes that had agreed to support Cortes began to fight the tribes loyal to the Aztec Cortes began to fight the tribes loyal to the Aztec empire. On August 13, 1521, the siege ended empire. On August 13, 1521, the siege ended and the remaining Aztecs surrendered.and the remaining Aztecs surrendered.

How did the Spanish Win?How did the Spanish Win? Cortes left Cuba with about 600 men and was Cortes left Cuba with about 600 men and was

able to defeat an empire of between 2 and 8 able to defeat an empire of between 2 and 8 million people. How did he do it?million people. How did he do it?

Superior weapons – The Spanish had guns, Superior weapons – The Spanish had guns, cannons, swords, and armor. The Aztecs main cannons, swords, and armor. The Aztecs main weapon was the Macuahuitl. This was a weapon weapon was the Macuahuitl. This was a weapon that contained obsidian, which made the edge that contained obsidian, which made the edge sharp but brittle.sharp but brittle.

How did the Spanish Win?How did the Spanish Win? Help from the Natives – Because the Aztecs ruled with Help from the Natives – Because the Aztecs ruled with

fear, many of the tribes in their empire didn’t like them. fear, many of the tribes in their empire didn’t like them. Cortes was able to convince these groups to join him. Cortes was able to convince these groups to join him. This increased his fighting force while reducing the This increased his fighting force while reducing the numbers for the Aztecs.numbers for the Aztecs.

Disease – The Spanish brought with them colds, flu, Disease – The Spanish brought with them colds, flu, small pox, and syphilis. Some historians believe that small pox, and syphilis. Some historians believe that these new diseases killed over 1/3 of the population in these new diseases killed over 1/3 of the population in Tenochtitlan within 6 months. Tenochtitlan within 6 months.

Some of the Aztecs just accepted it – Quetzalcoatl Some of the Aztecs just accepted it – Quetzalcoatl prophesied that his return would end the fifth world (their prophesied that his return would end the fifth world (their current age). Some people believed that everything was current age). Some people believed that everything was the prophesy coming true. Since this was the case they the prophesy coming true. Since this was the case they couldn’t fight to stop it and just gave up. couldn’t fight to stop it and just gave up.

New SpainNew Spain After the conquest of the Aztecs, the Spanish After the conquest of the Aztecs, the Spanish

continued to spread throughout Central and continued to spread throughout Central and South America. South America.

In South America, Francisco Pizarro, conquered In South America, Francisco Pizarro, conquered the remains of the Incan Empire. This gave them the remains of the Incan Empire. This gave them access to the largest silver mines ever found up access to the largest silver mines ever found up to that time. to that time.

Natives were turned into slaves, this resulted in Natives were turned into slaves, this resulted in a decline in their numbers. In 1492, the Island of a decline in their numbers. In 1492, the Island of Hispaniola had 250,000 natives, by 1538 there Hispaniola had 250,000 natives, by 1538 there were only 500. In Mexico the population fell from were only 500. In Mexico the population fell from 25 million in 1519, to 1 million in 1630.25 million in 1519, to 1 million in 1630.

New Rivals Enter the SceneNew Rivals Enter the Scene The Spanish laid claim to the Philippines when The Spanish laid claim to the Philippines when

Ferdinand Magellan landed their and claimed Ferdinand Magellan landed their and claimed them. Magellan became the first person to sail them. Magellan became the first person to sail around the world, although he was killed in the around the world, although he was killed in the Philippines.Philippines.

In 1595, the Dutch established the colony of In 1595, the Dutch established the colony of New Netherland, in what we would call New New Netherland, in what we would call New York.York.

In the 1600’s the English began to send trading In the 1600’s the English began to send trading fleets to India to compete with the Portuguese.fleets to India to compete with the Portuguese.

In the 1600’s the French established Quebec as In the 1600’s the French established Quebec as the first permanent French settlement in North the first permanent French settlement in North AmericaAmerica

The Triangle TradeThe Triangle Trade During this time something known as the During this time something known as the

Triangle Trade also developed. This was trade Triangle Trade also developed. This was trade the went from the Americas to Europe to Africa the went from the Americas to Europe to Africa back to the Americas. Raw items were sent from back to the Americas. Raw items were sent from America to Europe. Europe sent manufactured America to Europe. Europe sent manufactured items to Africa. Africa sent slaves to the items to Africa. Africa sent slaves to the Americas.Americas.

MercantilismMercantilism

During the Age of Exploration, Mercantilism was During the Age of Exploration, Mercantilism was the dominate economic theory. This was the the dominate economic theory. This was the idea that a countries wealth depended on the idea that a countries wealth depended on the amount of gold and silver they had in the bank. amount of gold and silver they had in the bank. In order to maintain this wealth, countries In order to maintain this wealth, countries accumulated colonies. These colonies were accumulated colonies. These colonies were sources of new products and markets for goods sources of new products and markets for goods from the home countries. This allowed the from the home countries. This allowed the countries establishing the colony to maintain a countries establishing the colony to maintain a positive balance of trade.positive balance of trade.

AsiaAsia China – In 1368, the Mongol dynasty was overthrown in China – In 1368, the Mongol dynasty was overthrown in

China and replaced by the Ming dynasty. This dynasty China and replaced by the Ming dynasty. This dynasty rules China until 1644. During the early period of the rules China until 1644. During the early period of the Ming dynasty, China greatly expanded its territory into Ming dynasty, China greatly expanded its territory into other Asian countries. After the death of the first Ming other Asian countries. After the death of the first Ming emperor, Ming Hong Wu, his son, Yong Le, took over emperor, Ming Hong Wu, his son, Yong Le, took over and carried on the tradition of expansion. and carried on the tradition of expansion.

Great Ming Naval Expeditions – Under Yong Le, China Great Ming Naval Expeditions – Under Yong Le, China amassed the largest navy in the history of the world. amassed the largest navy in the history of the world. With this navy, China sent expeditions as far as India With this navy, China sent expeditions as far as India and Africa. Much like early European trade expeditions, and Africa. Much like early European trade expeditions, these ships came back filled with treasures. Soon Yong these ships came back filled with treasures. Soon Yong Le was sending out more ships in an attempt to gain Le was sending out more ships in an attempt to gain more wealth. These trips took place between 1405-1433.more wealth. These trips took place between 1405-1433.

AsiaAsia Chinese Isolation – Many government officials in China Chinese Isolation – Many government officials in China

grew concerned over the extravagant spending by grew concerned over the extravagant spending by Emperor Yong Le. These people felt that this lifestyle Emperor Yong Le. These people felt that this lifestyle conflicted with traditional Confucian beliefs. After Yong conflicted with traditional Confucian beliefs. After Yong Le’s death, support for the expeditions was all but gone. Le’s death, support for the expeditions was all but gone. The seventh and final expedition took place between The seventh and final expedition took place between 1431-1433. On this trip, Zheng Huh, the leader of all 1431-1433. On this trip, Zheng Huh, the leader of all seven expeditions died at sea. With both Yong Le and seven expeditions died at sea. With both Yong Le and Zheng Huh dead, conservative politicians grounded the Zheng Huh dead, conservative politicians grounded the fleet. Before the end of the century, no ship could be fleet. Before the end of the century, no ship could be built with more than two masts and in 1525 all ocean built with more than two masts and in 1525 all ocean going ships were destroyed. going ships were destroyed.

While China was no longer active in exploration, goods While China was no longer active in exploration, goods from their country were still desirable in Europe. This from their country were still desirable in Europe. This meant that European countries continued to seek trade meant that European countries continued to seek trade relations with China. In response China allowed limited relations with China. In response China allowed limited European access to one part of their country. European access to one part of their country.

AsiaAsia Japan – From 1467-Japan – From 1467-

1573, Japan was a 1573, Japan was a country at war with country at war with itself. Strong feudal itself. Strong feudal lords battled with each lords battled with each other for control of the other for control of the country. By the end of country. By the end of the 1500’s, three the 1500’s, three powerful leaders had powerful leaders had taken over, Odo taken over, Odo Nobunaga, Toyotomi Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Of these three, these three, Tokugawa was able to Tokugawa was able to unify the entire unify the entire country and country and established the established the Tokugawa Shogunate.Tokugawa Shogunate.

AsiaAsia

Arrival of Europe – Portugal had made contact with Arrival of Europe – Portugal had made contact with Japan in 1543. Initially, the Europeans were welcomed Japan in 1543. Initially, the Europeans were welcomed and trade developed between the two countries. and trade developed between the two countries. However, after few years Catholic missionaries began to However, after few years Catholic missionaries began to descend on the island. Concern over the intentions of descend on the island. Concern over the intentions of the missionaries grew as the Japanese show what the the missionaries grew as the Japanese show what the Spanish missionaries did in the Philippines. In 1636, Spanish missionaries did in the Philippines. In 1636, Japan issues the Act of Seclusion which made it illegal Japan issues the Act of Seclusion which made it illegal for Japanese trading ships to leave the Island and only for Japanese trading ships to leave the Island and only allowed trade with other Asian countries and the Dutch. allowed trade with other Asian countries and the Dutch. If they wanted to trade with Japan, these countries had If they wanted to trade with Japan, these countries had to go there.to go there.

Magellan’s TripMagellan’s Trip

CarrackCarrack

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