Lesson 1: The Age of Exploration

Key Idea

European nations wanted to buy valuable Asian goods like spices and silks. However, the land routes were controlled by others, making these items very expensive. Rulers in countries like Portugal and Spain began funding risky sea voyages to find a direct water route to Asia, hoping to gain incredible wealth and national glory.

Beyond the search for riches, European leaders had a powerful religious mission. They wanted to spread Christianity to people in new lands. This powerful combination of economic goals and religious duty drove explorers to sail into unknown waters, beginning the Age of Exploration.

Key Idea

Sailing across vast, unknown oceans required new technology. Before the 1400s, sailors stayed close to shore, but new tools gave them the confidence to venture out. The compass showed them which way was north, while other instruments helped them find their position using the stars.

Ship designs also improved. The Portuguese caravel was a smaller, faster ship that could better handle rough seas and sail against the wind. These stronger ships and better navigational tools made long-distance voyages possible, opening up the world to European explorers.

Key Idea

Portugal was the first European nation to launch major sea expeditions, starting the Age of Exploration. This was thanks to Prince Henry the Navigator, who was determined to find a sea route to Asia by sailing around Africa. He sponsored voyages and created a school for sailors, mapmakers, and shipbuilders to improve their technology and skills.

Because of Henry’s leadership, Portuguese explorers sailed farther than ever before. Eventually, Vasco da Gama successfully rounded Africa and reached India. This historic voyage gave Portugal a direct route to the spice trade of Asia, helping it build a powerful trading empire.

Key Idea

Lured by stories of gold, a Spanish conquistador named Hernán Cortés led an expedition to Mexico in 1519. He and his soldiers had steel weapons, guns, and horses, which the Aztecs had never seen. Cortés also formed alliances with local groups who were enemies of the powerful Aztec Empire.

Cortés marched on the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. After a long and brutal siege, the Spanish and their allies captured and destroyed the city in 1521. On the ruins, the Spanish built Mexico City, which became a center of Spanish power, enriched by silver from nearby mines.