Exploration And Discoveries Questions
During the Age of Exploration, several major discoveries were made in the field of geography. Some of these include:
1. New World: The discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492 opened up a whole new continent to European explorers. This led to the mapping and exploration of previously unknown lands, including North and South America.
2. Trade Routes: Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan discovered new sea routes to Asia, bypassing the traditional land routes. These discoveries revolutionized global trade and led to the establishment of lucrative trade networks.
3. Mapping of Continents: Explorers like James Cook and Abel Tasman extensively mapped various continents, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Antarctica. These maps provided a more accurate understanding of the world's geography.
4. Circumnavigation: Ferdinand Magellan's expedition became the first to circumnavigate the globe, proving that the Earth was round. This discovery had a significant impact on the understanding of the Earth's shape and size.
5. Ocean Currents: Explorers like Benjamin Franklin and Matthew Maury made important observations and discoveries about ocean currents. Their findings helped in understanding global weather patterns and navigation.
Overall, the major discoveries made during the Age of Exploration greatly expanded the knowledge of geography, leading to the creation of more accurate maps and a better understanding of the Earth's size, shape, and interconnectedness.