UNIT 3 AGE OF
EXPLORATION
LESSON 1 REASONS FOR EXPLORATION (GGG)
REASONS FOR EXPLORATION (GGG)
Learning Target
Students can explain the three main reasons for exploration.
REASONS FOR EXPLORATION (GGG)
Introduction and Background
In the 1400’s, European explorers set sail to find a water route to China and
India. Portugal began the search, but soon explorers from other countries
took to the seas. In this unit you will learn about Columbus and other
explorers. You will witness how cruel Europeans could be Native Americans.
Then you will study the African slave trade. All of this was part of the settling
of the Americas by the Europeans
REASONS FOR EXPLORATION (GGG)
G – God
• The Hope to proselytize
• Wanted to counter the spread of Islam
• Felt the burden of teaching uncivilized peoples about Christianity
• Missionaries traveled to foreign lands
REASONS FOR EXPLORATION (GGG)
G – Glory
• The Hope to be famous
• Fame of discovery would lead to reward
• Europeans wanted to compete to be the biggest and best
• Henry the Navigator’s School provided new ideas about technology for
exploration
New ships (caravels)
New compass
New maps
REASONS FOR EXPLORATION (GGG)
G – Gold
• The Hope to be rich
• Royal families and merchants wanted more trade goods (spices) and
natural resources (iron ore, foods, timber)
• Land routes to Asia were monopolized (single ownership) and cut off by
the Arab Muslims in the form of caravan merchants
• A direct route to Asia would be safer and cheaper
REASONS FOR EXPLORATION (GGG)
Recap
Why did Europeans want to explore for different trade routes to Asia?
Why wouldn’t they travel on land through the Middle East?
Whose school helped train European navigators for their new journeys?
Why did missionaries want to join sailing vessels on the seas?
What were the three reasons for exploration?