The Age of Exploration

Introduction to the Age of Exploration The Age of Exploration, or Age of Discovery, is one of the most important events in the history of the western world. It began in the early 15th century and continued until the end of the 17th century, and involved European explorers using their navigational skills to travel the world. In general, the Age of Exploration occurred for several different reasons, particularly in the countries of Spain, France and England.The following video clips, readings, and charts will help you further understand the Age of Exploration and the beginnings of colonization in North America. Reasons for Exploration Colonization of North America Watch the video clip (4:30 minutes). When you are finished, answer the questions below. Who did Europeans trade with before the Age of Exploration? Asia Australia Africa They didn't trade Which three (3) countries were exploring in search of new land (power) during the Age of Exploration? (Select all 3) England India China Spain France Germany List the three (3) main reasons for Exploration and Colonization: The Columbian Exchange The Columbian Exchange, named for Christopher Columbus, is the name for the items exchanged between the "old world" (Europe, Africa, Asia) and the "new world" (Americas).Name one food item AND one animal that went from Europe, Africa, or Asia tothe Americas. Name one food item AND one animalwent from the Americas to Europe, Africa, or Asia. What was onenegative thing that was exchanged from Europe to the Americas? Smallpox Based on the text document above, what was life like for the indigenous (native) people BEFORE the Europeans came to America? Based on the image and text document above, what was life like for the indigenous people (Natives the Europeans came? Population Graph 1. Based on the line graph, what happened to the Native American population during the years of European exploration? 2. Why do you think that change happened? Beginnings of the Slave Trade Introduction: The origins (beginnings) of the African Slave Trade can be traced back to the Age of Exploration in the 15th Century. Europeans had become quite addicted to the luxuries of the exotic spices, silks, and porcelain that could only be found in Asia. Unfortunately for the Europeans, Muslim traders had a complete monopoly (control) over the trade routes to the Far East. Unsuccessful in the attempt to break that monopoly, Europeans started to explore water routes that would enable (allow) them to bypass the Muslims. The Portuguese took the lead in that exploration and sent voyages down the west coast of Africa in hopes of finding a new route to the source of traded goods. On these voyages, they found a new type of good to trade --human beings. Over time, between 10 and 28 million people were taken from Africa and sold into slavery. Roughly 12 million of those were taken to the Americas and enslaved on plantations producing: cotton, sugar, tobacco, molasses, and rum. Graph: The Slave Trade What does this graph tell you about the relationship between Europe and Africa during this time? 1. Where were most enslaved people being taken? 2. Why do you think they were being taken there? Put it all together! In this space,1. Describethree effectsof European colonization of the Americas.2. For each effect you describe, explain whether it was positive or negative, and for who (Europeans, Native Americans (Indians), or Africans). (Ex. “It was positive for both,” “It was positive for the natives but negative for the Europeans,” etc.)