Are you planning on moving away once you are an
adult? Where would you like to go? Why?
SWBAT:
List and describe
the foundations
of European
Exploration
Define
•
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Commercial Revolution
Subsidies
Galleys
joint stock company
tariffs
• Mapmaking improved due the goal of pictorial accuracy.
• New maps emphasized that the world was round and Africa and
Asia were added with increased detail.
• Inspired by new maps, daring sea captains began to set out to
new areas across the Atlantic.
• The goal was to find a quicker route from Europe to Asia.
• Compass and Astrolabe
• Improvements also made to ships to make them sail against the
wind, to travel quickly and to be steered more accurately.
• Improved ways of doing business- using money and
increased banking services.
• During the 1400s a standardization of money occurred,
coins were given fixed values.
• New shipments of gold and silver from the New World
increased supplies needed by European monarchs.
• Joint-stock companies created . Owners would sell
shares to investors, thus making them co-owners.
• New exploration was often spurred on by rivalries
between competing countries.
• Gaining riches and colonies = POWER
• Mercantilism= a country’s gov. must make as much
money as possible.
• Favorable balance of trade = selling more goods than
what was imported in.
• Get colonies- metals, raw materials, manufactured
goods.
• Population increased after 1500. Harsh living conditions
prompted some to want to live a better life.
• Adventure, possible wealth, fame served as a catalyst.
• Escape religious or political persecution.
Motives for European Exploration
1. Crusades  by-pass intermediaries to
get to Asia. Muslim Control Routes.
2. Renaissance  curiosity about other
lands and peoples.
3. Reformation  refugees & missionaries.
4. Monarchs seeking new sources of
revenue.
5. Technological advances.
6. Fame and fortune.
Foundations of Exploration
Review Questions:
1. Describe the improvements in navigational aids & ship
construction that made long range exploration possible?
2. What role did colonies play in mercantilism?
3. How would Mercantilism cause international tension to
grow?