Age of Exploration Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the Line of Demarcation?

To establish trade routes to Asia

To define the boundaries of the Roman Empire

To claim lands in Africa

To divide territory between Spain and Portugal (correct)

What did the Treaty of Tordesillas do?

Revised the Line of Demarcation

What does it mean to circumnavigate?

To sail or travel all the way around something, especially the world.

What is a caravel?

A small, fast Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship of the 15th-17th centuries. Signup and view all the answers

What instrument was used for making astronomical measurements and calculating latitude?

Astrolabe Signup and view all the answers

Who was Columbus?

An explorer determined to find a water route to Asia who reached America instead. Signup and view all the answers

What major discovery did Magellan achieve?

He discovered the Strait of Magellan and was the first to cross the Pacific Ocean. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Hernán Cortés?

A conquistador who conquered the Aztec empire. Signup and view all the answers

What civilization did Cortés overthrow?

The Aztecs Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the conquest of the Inca empire?

Pizarro Signup and view all the answers

What was Prince Henry the Navigator known for?

Creating a school for navigation and promoting exploration. Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement is Pedro Cabral known for?

Discovering Brazil and establishing a sea route to India. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dias accomplish?

He was the first European to sail around the tip of Africa. Signup and view all the answers

What was Vasco da Gama's mission?

To reach India and open a sea route from Europe to the East. Signup and view all the answers

What were the three reasons Europeans invested in exploration?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why was Portugal significant to the Age of Exploration?

Portugal played a principal role in searching for a route to Asia and established the first global empire. Signup and view all the answers

What major events occurred in Europe during the Age of Exploration?

The Scientific Revolution, the Reformation, and the Renaissance. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Line of Demarcation drawn by the Pope?

To resolve conflicts between Spain and Portugal regarding territorial claims. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Line of Demarcation

Defined by Pope Alexander VI in 1493 and revised by the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494.
Established territorial claims between Spain (west of the line) and Portugal (east of the line).

Circumnavigate

Refers to sailing or traveling entirely around something, especially the world.

Caravel

A small, fast sailing ship used by the Spanish and Portuguese during the 15th to 17th centuries.

Astrolabe

An astronomical instrument for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies, aiding navigation by calculating latitude.

Columbus

Aimed to find a sea route to Asia but inadvertently discovered America in 1492, leading to the enslavement of indigenous peoples.

Magellan

First European to cross the Pacific Ocean and discover the Strait of Magellan.
Sailed for spices due to the high demand in Europe and aimed to establish a westward route to the Spice Islands.

Cortez

Hernan Cortés allied with some native groups but used force against others to conquer Mexico and overthrow the Aztec Empire.

Aztecs

Overthrown by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortés in 1521; Tenochtitlan was captured.
Developed a sophisticated agricultural system and military tradition, cultivating crops such as maize and beans.

Pizarro and the Incas

Discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513 and participated in expeditions that led to the capture of Inca leader Atahualpa.
Founded Lima, Peru, and was assassinated in 1541.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Founded the first school of navigation in 1419, significant for advancing exploration and initiating the Atlantic slave trade.
Encouraged maritime exploration along the west coast of Africa.

Pedro Cabral

First European to discover Brazil while establishing trade routes to India.
Faced conflicts with Muslim traders leading to attacks on Portuguese trading posts.

Dias

First European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, opening new trade opportunities with India and Asia.

Vasco da Gama

In 1497, sailed from Lisbon to India, establishing a sea route; received a hero's welcome upon return.
Engaged in brutal conflicts with Muslim traders during subsequent expeditions to India.

Reasons for European Exploration

Gold: Desire for wealth and significant financial gain through resource acquisition.
God: Religious motivations to spread Christianity.
Glory: Pursuit of fame and recognition through territorial expansion.

Importance of Portugal

Dominated exploration in the 15th century, seeking a route to Asia by sailing around Africa.
Established one of the first global empires through extensive trading operations worldwide.

Concurrent European Events

Age of Exploration coincided with significant transformations such as the Scientific Revolution, Reformation, and Renaissance.

Purpose of the Line of Demarcation

Established to resolve conflicts over territorial claims between Spain and Portugal and delineate their respective spheres of influence.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts from the Age of Exploration with these flashcards. Learn about significant terms like the Line of Demarcation and circumnavigate. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students alike.