Atlantic Opening: Consequences of the New World

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Questions and Answers

What event in 1453 significantly impacted European powers and prompted them to explore new territories?

The invention of the astrolabe by Portuguese navigators

The establishment of trade routes in the Mediterranean

The beginning of the Reconquista in Spain

The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks (correct)

Which of the following was NOT a religious or political cause for the expeditions undertaken by Spain and Portugal?

The pressure from the Ottoman Empire on European territories

The aim to establish trade agreements with Asian markets (correct)

The desire to convert new peoples to Christianity

The need to extend influence following the fall of the Byzantine Empire

What was one of the main economic motivations for European exploration in the 15th century?

To establish colonies in the Atlantic Ocean

To discover new cultures and communities in Africa

To compete with Indian naval powers

To find direct access to silk and spices from India (correct)

Which technological advancement greatly aided maritime exploration during the 15th century?

The development of the compass and astrolabe Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of Columbus's journey in 1492?

The claiming of new territories for Spain and increased tensions with Portugal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary objective of Christopher Columbus's expedition?

To find a route to India by sailing west Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the decline of Mediterranean trade's importance in the late 15th century?

Increased Ottoman control over trade routes Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of the Spanish and Portuguese sharing the 'New World'?

Heightened tensions that led to conflicts over territorial claims Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Spanish and Portuguese explorers during the Age of Exploration?

To convert indigenous populations to Christianity and claim new lands Signup and view all the answers

How did the invention of the caravels influence maritime expeditions?

They made long-distance voyages safer and more efficient Signup and view all the answers

What was the main consequence of the discovery of the Zacatecas and Potosí mines in 1548?

A significant increase in the importation of gold and silver to Spain. Signup and view all the answers

How did the influx of gold and silver impact the economy of Spain?

It resulted in significant inflation, leading to increased prices. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Casa de Contratación play in the Spanish economy during the trade of precious metals?

It collected important taxes on imported goods. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major effect of the Atlantic trade routes established by the Spanish and Portuguese?

Development of a triangular trade system involving slaves and goods. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the first globalization during the 16th to 18th centuries?

The discovery of the Americas and subsequent colonization. Signup and view all the answers

How did the influx of precious metals contribute to the economies of cities like Antwerp and Genoa?

They facilitated increased commerce and financial activities in these cities. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of the Atlantic slave trade on the economy of the Americas?

It created a demand for cheap labor to support agricultural production. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant cultural consequence of the discoveries made during the age of exploration?

An increase in global awareness and knowledge about the world. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of Mediterranean trade during the age of exploration?

Increased wealth and trade through Atlantic routes overshadowed the Mediterranean connections. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind the actions of the conquistadors in the Americas?

Personal wealth and enrichment Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly contributed to the rapid decline of the indigenous population in the Americas?

Workforce exploitation and diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the treaty of Tordesillas?

An agreement to divide newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal Signup and view all the answers

What role did Bartolomé de Las Casas play during the Spanish colonization?

He defended the rights of indigenous peoples against colonial abuses. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the arrival of European powers impact the social structure of the Americas?

It established a hierarchical system with racial distinctions. Signup and view all the answers

What major economic activity began in Brazil around the 1530s?

Large-scale sugar cultivation Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization was Hernán Cortés responsible for conquering?

The Aztec Empire Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Valladolid controversy?

The legal protection of indigenous peoples was established. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the mass baptism of indigenous people by missionaries?

To convert and integrate them into Christianity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the initial encounters between Europeans and indigenous peoples is true?

European conquistadors often took advantage of existing political divisions among indigenous tribes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Atlantic Opening: Consequences of the Discovery of the "New World"

Europeans had limited knowledge of the world in the mid-15th century, primarily focused on the Mediterranean. Asia, Africa, and other continents were largely unknown.
By the 16th century, Spain and Portugal controlled significant portions of the newly discovered Americas, shifting trade importance away from the Mediterranean.

Causes and Consequences of Shifting Trade to the Atlantic (15th-16th Centuries)

Religious/Political Causes: The Ottoman Turks' capture of Constantinople (1453) spurred European rulers, notably Spanish and Portuguese, to expand Christian influence.
Economic Causes: Ottoman expansion blocked European access to Asian goods (silk, spices). Maritime voyages along Africa were initiated to find a direct sea route to India and gain access to gold.
Technological Advancements: Portuguese advancements like the caravel, more accurate maps, and navigational tools (compass, astrolabe) enabled these voyages.

Discovery and Division of the Americas (1492-1494)

Christopher Columbus (1492): A Genoese sailor sailing for Spain, believed the Earth was round and sought a western route to India. His voyage had four goals: convert indigenous populations to Christianity, discover lands, claim lands for Spain, and find a new route to India.
Landfall: Columbus landed in the Caribbean (Hispaniola) in 1492 and on the mainland starting in 1498.
Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Papal division of the "New World" between Spain (west of an imaginary line) and Portugal (east). This sparked competition between Spain and Portugal for territorial control.

Early Colonial Empires in the Americas

Vespucci: Recognized the newly discovered lands as a separate continent (Americas).
Portuguese Colonies: Focused on coastal settlements, extracting brazilwood for dyes, and establishing trading posts on African coasts.
Spanish Conquests: Spanish conquistadors (military leaders motivated by gold and personal gain) launched conquests focused on resource extraction.
- Azttecs (1519-1521): Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire (modern-day Mexico) with approximately 550 soldiers. Motivated by Aztec practices like human sacrifice.
- Incas (1531-1536): Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire (modern-day Peru) with about 180 men.
Vast Empires: The resulting conquests led to the establishment of extensive colonial empires, impacting both Europe and the Americas.

Impact on Indigenous Populations

Significant Population Decline: Indigenous American populations drastically decreased (in some cases by as much as 80% in a century) due to forced labor, violence, and disease (the Columbian Exchange).
Forced Conversion: Missionaries aimed to convert indigenous populations; resulted in the destruction of indigenous temples and the construction of European churches.
Colonization and Settlement: Spanish and Portuguese colonists settled in the Americas, aiming for economic exploitation and utilizing forced labor. This spurred sugar production in Brazil, demanding increased workforce and leading to the transatlantic slave trade.
Transatlantic Slave Trade: African slaves were transported to the Americas to meet the labor demands, increasing demand for goods in Europe. This resulted in the forced migration of millions from Africa.

Bartolomé de Las Casas

Humanitarian Critique: A Spanish missionary who criticised the harsh treatment of indigenous populations, advocating for their rights.
Valladolid Controversy (1550-1551): A debate in Spain between Las Casas and Sepúlveda (who supported indigenous enslavement). Las Casas temporarily won, as the Spanish Crown declared the enslavement of indigenous peoples illegal.

A First Globalized World

Increased Trade: Columbian Exchange, facilitating the flow of goods and people across the Atlantic.
Example of Gold/Silver Trade: Silver/gold from mines in the Americas (Zacatecas, Potosí). These precious metals were transported to ports like Veracruz and Cartagena, loaded onto Spanish fleets to Spain (Seville), and then circulated throughout Europe. This process led to significant inflation in Spain.
Rise of Atlantic Ports: Ports in Spain, Portugal, and other parts of Europe became prominent centers of trade.
Emergence of a Globalized Economy: New goods and commodities flowed between continents (e.g., potatoes, maize, tomatoes from the Americas).
The Transatlantic Slave Trade: The triangular trade, which connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas (fueled by demand for labor in the Americas).

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Description

This quiz explores the pivotal consequences of the discovery of the 'New World' in the 15th and 16th centuries. It examines the shift of trade from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, driven by religious, political, and economic factors. Key technological advancements and their impact on European expansion will also be discussed.