Lesson 14: Ages of Explorations & Discoveries

Video Lesson

Competencies(MLC)

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the development of early capitalism.
• Value the importance of early capitalist relations to the modern world
• Describe the characteristics of early capitalism in Europe.

Brainstorming Questions

• What do we mean the concept of capitalist relations?
• What do you know about the age of exploration and discoveries?
• Explain factors for encouraging exploration and discovery.
• Identified the contribution of each explorers and navigators.

Key Terms

14.1. The Age of Explorations and Discoveries

The Age of European explorations and discoveries occurred during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This period was characterized by significant maritime expeditions that reshaped global trade and cultural interactions.

1. Motivations for Exploration

• Bypassing Trade Blockades: The need to circumvent the Ottoman Turkish blockade of traditional trade routes to the Far East was a primary impetus for exploration.
• Economic Interests: European nations sought to enhance their wealth through long-distance trade and access to valuable resources.
• Technological Advances: Innovations such as the compass, improved maps, and shipbuilding techniques facilitated longer and safer voyages.
• Royal Sponsorship: Key figures like Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal and Queen Isabella of Spain supported exploration for economic gain, religious expansion, and national glory.

2. Leading Nations in Exploration

• Spain and Portugal: These two countries were at the forefront of exploration, with substantial state support for expeditions.
• Other European Powers: Following Spain and Portugal, nations like Holland, Britain, France, and Russia began to participate in explorations.

3. Notable Explorers and Discoveries

• Vasco da Gama: In 1498, he discovered a new sea route to India and the Far East, significantly impacting trade.
• Christopher Columbus: Serving Spain, he reached the Americas in 1492, believing he had found a new route to Asia. He died unaware that he had encountered new lands, which later became known as the “New World.” The name “America” was derived from the Italian mapmaker Amerigo Vespucci.
• Ferdinand Magellan: Between 1519 and 1522, he led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, further demonstrating the vastness of the Earth and opening new maritime routes.

4. Economic Impacts

• Profits from Trade: European nations benefited greatly from local trade networks, which contributed to the burgeoning global economy.
• Colonialism and Capitalism: The voyages of exploration not only expanded territorial claims but also accelerated the development of capitalism through colonial conquests and the establishment of trade monopolies.

Conclusion

The Age of Explorations and Discoveries was a transformative period that laid the foundation for modern global trade networks, colonial empires, and the economic systems that followed.