In this Grade 5 World History and Geography lesson from Chapter 17: The Age of Exploration, students examine the motivations behind European overseas expansion, including the pursuit of gold, glory, and God, as well as the role of trade in Asian spices and precious metals. Students learn how new technologies such as the caravel, astrolabe, and magnetic compass made long-distance voyages possible, and how knowledge of trade winds and ocean gyres guided early explorers. The lesson also introduces key vocabulary including conquistador and colony while tracing how Portugal and Spain led the race to discover new lands between 1500 and 1800.
Section 1
Europeans Sail Oceans for Gold, Glory, and God
Between 1500-1800, European nations explored the world seeking wealth through trade, religious conversion opportunities, national prestige, and adventure using new sailing technologies and navigation tools.
Section 2
Portuguese Navigators Forge Eastern Trade Routes
Portuguese explorers sailed around Africa to reach India and the Spice Islands, establishing trading posts along the way. Their efforts broke Arab control of the valuable spice trade.
Section 3
Spanish Conquistadors Overcome Native Empires
Spanish conquerors like Cortés and Pizarro defeated the powerful Aztec and Inca empires using superior weapons, forming alliances with local peoples, and unintentionally spreading deadly European diseases.
Section 4
European Powers Compete for American Colonies
After Spain and Portugal divided newly discovered territories, Dutch, French, and English powers established colonies in the Americas, creating settlements and trading posts along North American coasts.
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Section 1
Europeans Sail Oceans for Gold, Glory, and God
Between 1500-1800, European nations explored the world seeking wealth through trade, religious conversion opportunities, national prestige, and adventure using new sailing technologies and navigation tools.
Section 2
Portuguese Navigators Forge Eastern Trade Routes
Portuguese explorers sailed around Africa to reach India and the Spice Islands, establishing trading posts along the way. Their efforts broke Arab control of the valuable spice trade.
Section 3
Spanish Conquistadors Overcome Native Empires
Spanish conquerors like Cortés and Pizarro defeated the powerful Aztec and Inca empires using superior weapons, forming alliances with local peoples, and unintentionally spreading deadly European diseases.
Section 4
European Powers Compete for American Colonies
After Spain and Portugal divided newly discovered territories, Dutch, French, and English powers established colonies in the Americas, creating settlements and trading posts along North American coasts.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter