AMSCO US History Topic 1.3 European Exploration of the Americas
Learning Objective – Explain the causes of exploration and conquest of the New World by various
European nations
Native American societies traded with each other but had no connection to people of the Eastern
Hemisphere. Similarly, Europeans, Africans, and Asians traded among themselves without knowing of
the Americas. This all changes in the late 15 th century (1400s). Religious and economic motives prompted
Europeans to explore more widely than before. As a result, they brought the two parts of the world into
contact with each other.
Basic Motives for Overall European Exploration
1. God
2. Gold
3. Glory
The European Context for Exploration
- Changes in Thought and Technology
o The Renaissance
Rebirth of classical learning prompted an outburst of artistic and scientific
activity om the 15th and 16th centuries
First of the Humanist Eras (Followed by Protestant Reformation, Scientific
Revolution, and the Enlightenment)
Technological Advances during the Renaissance resulted from Europeans making
improvements in the invention of others
Use of gunpowder (from China)
Sailing compass (adopted from Middle East who got it from China)
Improvements in mapmaking and shipbuilding
o Invention of the Printing Press aided the spread of knowledge across Europe
- Religious Conflict
o In the 15th and 16th centuries, Catholic dominance was challenged from both Ottoman
Turks in the Middle East and rebellious Christians challenging the Pope’s authority
o Catholic Victory in Spain
8th century – Islamic invader from North Africa (aka Moors) rapidly conquered
most of modern day Spain
Reconquista – Spanish Catholics utilizing the next few centuries taking Spain
back by setting up several independent kingdoms
Castile and Aragon united through the marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand in
1469
Under their leadership, the Reconquista was completed in 1492 by taking over
the last Moorish stronghold in Granada (same year as the Columbus expedition)
Roman Catholic Power was upheld by
Unity of Ferdinand and Isabella
Learning Objective – Explain the causes of exploration and conquest of the New World by various
European nations
Native American societies traded with each other but had no connection to people of the Eastern
Hemisphere. Similarly, Europeans, Africans, and Asians traded among themselves without knowing of
the Americas. This all changes in the late 15 th century (1400s). Religious and economic motives prompted
Europeans to explore more widely than before. As a result, they brought the two parts of the world into
contact with each other.
Basic Motives for Overall European Exploration
1. God
2. Gold
3. Glory
The European Context for Exploration
- Changes in Thought and Technology
o The Renaissance
Rebirth of classical learning prompted an outburst of artistic and scientific
activity om the 15th and 16th centuries
First of the Humanist Eras (Followed by Protestant Reformation, Scientific
Revolution, and the Enlightenment)
Technological Advances during the Renaissance resulted from Europeans making
improvements in the invention of others
Use of gunpowder (from China)
Sailing compass (adopted from Middle East who got it from China)
Improvements in mapmaking and shipbuilding
o Invention of the Printing Press aided the spread of knowledge across Europe
- Religious Conflict
o In the 15th and 16th centuries, Catholic dominance was challenged from both Ottoman
Turks in the Middle East and rebellious Christians challenging the Pope’s authority
o Catholic Victory in Spain
8th century – Islamic invader from North Africa (aka Moors) rapidly conquered
most of modern day Spain
Reconquista – Spanish Catholics utilizing the next few centuries taking Spain
back by setting up several independent kingdoms
Castile and Aragon united through the marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand in
1469
Under their leadership, the Reconquista was completed in 1492 by taking over
the last Moorish stronghold in Granada (same year as the Columbus expedition)
Roman Catholic Power was upheld by
Unity of Ferdinand and Isabella
