History The Age Of Exploration Study Cards

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Age of Exploration

A period of European exploration and discovery that lasted from the 15th to the 17th century, characterized by extensive overseas exploration, colonization, and trade.

Christopher Columbus

Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual colonization of the Americas.

Vasco da Gama

Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea, establishing a direct maritime trade route between Europe and Asia.

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese explorer who led the first circumnavigation of the Earth, proving that the Earth is round and significantly expanding knowledge of the world's geography.

Sir Francis Drake

English explorer and naval captain who circumnavigated the globe, raided Spanish settlements, and played a key role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Hernán Cortés

Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire, paving the way for Spanish colonization of Mexico.

Francisco Pizarro

Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Inca Empire, leading to Spanish control of most of western South America.

James Cook

British explorer, navigator, and cartographer who made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, mapping many areas and making significant discoveries.

Henry Hudson

English sea explorer and navigator who explored parts of the Arctic Ocean and northeastern North America, including the Hudson River and Hudson Bay.

Marco Polo

Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who traveled extensively in Asia, documenting his experiences and introducing Europeans to Central Asia and China.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Portuguese prince who sponsored voyages of exploration along the West African coast, leading to the discovery of new trade routes and the expansion of Portuguese influence.

The Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia following Christopher Columbus' voyages.

The Treaty of Tordesillas

A treaty between Spain and Portugal that divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries, establishing their spheres of influence.

The Silk Road

An ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between different civilizations.

The Spice Trade

The trade of spices and other valuable goods between Asia, Europe, and Africa, which played a significant role in the Age of Exploration and the development of global trade networks.

The Northwest Passage

A sea route through the Arctic Ocean, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which European explorers sought as a shortcut to Asia but proved to be elusive.

The Age of Discovery

Another term used to describe the Age of Exploration, emphasizing the significant discoveries and advancements made during this period.

The Conquistadors

Spanish conquerors who explored and colonized the Americas, seeking wealth, power, and the spread of Christianity.

The Age of Sail

A period in maritime history when sailing ships were the primary means of transportation and exploration, characterized by the use of wind power and advanced sailing techniques.

The Caravel

A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century, used extensively during the Age of Exploration.

The Astrolabe

An ancient astronomical instrument used by navigators to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, helping determine latitude and aiding in navigation.

The Compass

A navigational instrument that uses Earth's magnetic field to determine direction, greatly improving navigation and exploration during the Age of Exploration.

The Sextant

A navigational instrument used to measure the angle between a celestial object and the horizon, allowing sailors to determine their latitude at sea.

The Age of Colonization

A period of European expansion and establishment of colonies around the world, driven by economic, political, and religious motivations.

The Age of Exploration

A period of European exploration and discovery that lasted from the 15th to the 17th century, characterized by extensive overseas exploration, colonization, and trade.