European Imperialism

7 Questions

What was the role of Prince Henry the Navigator in Portuguese exploration?

Prince Henry the Navigator spearheaded Portugal's exploration of Africa and the Atlantic in the 1400s.

How did the Portuguese expand their empire?

The Portuguese spread their empire down the western coast of Africa to the Congo, along the western coast of India, and eventually to Brazil and the Atlantic islands.

What was the impact of the Portuguese on the African slave trade?

The Portuguese were the first European power to exploit the African slave trade, funding it with the sugar production on the newly colonized Atlantic islands and trading enslaved people across the Atlantic to work on sugar plantations.

What is mercantilism and how did it shape European perceptions of wealth?

Mercantilism is an economic philosophy that believed wealth was limited and could be measured in gold and silver bullion. It influenced European nations to amass wealth through mining raw materials from their colonies and control trade to enhance state power.

What were the key factors of colonial mercantilism?

The key factors of colonial mercantilism were colonies rich in raw materials, cheap labor, colonial loyalty to the home government, and control of the shipping trade.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The Columbian Exchange refers to the process by which commodities, people, and diseases crossed the Atlantic between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas).

Why did Britain encourage settlements in North America?

Britain encouraged settlements in North America to benefit from the vast array of raw materials found and cultivated by the colonies, such as fishing, lumber, shipbuilding, tobacco, rice, and indigo.

Study Notes

Prince Henry the Navigator

Led Portuguese exploration in the 15th century, sponsoring voyages to explore the west coast of Africa and the Atlantic Ocean
Established a navigation school and cartography center to develop navigational tools and maps
Facilitated the discovery of the Madeira Islands, the Azores, and the Cape Verde Islands

Portuguese Expansion

Established trade routes and colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas
Explored and mapped the west coast of Africa, discovering the Congo River and the route to India
Colonized Brazil in 1500 and established a permanent settlement in 1532

Portuguese and the African Slave Trade

Played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, capturing and selling millions of Africans
Established slave trading posts in West Africa, including the fort of Elmina in Ghana
Used slave labor to develop their colonies in Brazil and the Atlantic islands

Mercantilism

An economic theory that a country's wealth is measured by its accumulation of gold and silver
Encouraged exports and discouraged imports to increase a country's wealth
Shaped European perceptions of wealth, leading to a focus on colonization and trade

Colonial Mercantilism

Key factors included:
- Establishment of colonies to provide raw materials and markets for exports
- Use of Navigation Acts to control trade and restrict competition
- Creation of monopolies to control key industries

The Columbian Exchange

The transfer of plants, animals, and culture between the New and Old Worlds following Columbus's voyages
Led to the introduction of new crops, such as maize and potatoes, to Europe
Resulted in the devastating impact of European diseases, such as smallpox, on Native American populations

British Settlements in North America

Britain encouraged settlements in North America to:
- Establish trade routes and resources
- Provide a base for privateering and naval warfare against rival European powers
- Increase British wealth and influence through colonization