The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, was a period from the early 15th century to the early 17th century, characterized by extensive overseas exploration, primarily led by European powers. This era saw significant advancements in maritime technology, cartography, and navigation, which facilitated the discovery of new continents and sea routes, leading to a profound transformation in global trade, culture, and politics.
Historical Context
- Preceding Events: The Renaissance in Europe spurred intellectual curiosity and the quest for knowledge, alongside the economic motivations of finding new trade routes to avoid Ottoman control over traditional land routes to Asia.
- Technological Advancements: Innovations like the caravel ship design, the astrolabe, and later the compass and quadrant, enabled explorers to travel further than ever before.
- Motivations: Economic (trade, wealth), political (power, expansion), religious (spread of Christianity), and intellectual (knowledge, curiosity) factors drove exploration.
Key Explorers and Voyages
Consequences
- Colonial Expansion: The discovery of new lands led to the establishment of colonies by European nations, which had profound and often devastating effects on indigenous populations.
- Trade and Economics: New trade routes were established, leading to the Columbian Exchange, the transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and culture between the Old World and the New World.
- Mapping and Knowledge: Exploration led to a better understanding of global geography, although initial maps were often inaccurate due to limited knowledge.
- Cultural Impact: The interaction between different cultures resulted in both enrichment and conflict, shaping modern cultural identities.
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