Age of Discovery

Age of Discovery

The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, refers to a period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century, during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and partners to feed burgeoning capitalism in Europe. This era is marked by the global exploration initiated by the maritime powers of Europe, notably Portugal and Spain, followed by the Netherlands, France, and England. The Age of Discovery led to the increased contact between various parts of the world, resulting in significant cultural, political, and social changes.

Origins

The origins of the Age of Discovery can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with the decline of the Mongol Empire which had facilitated trade and travel across Eurasia. The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 significantly hampered European access to the Silk Road, prompting the search for sea routes to the East Indies and China, lands rich with valuable spices and goods.

Key Explorations

Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India in 1498 under the Portuguese flag marked a significant milestone, establishing a sea route to Asia. Meanwhile, Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1492, sponsored by Spain, aimed to find a westward route to Asia but instead led to the European discovery of the Americas. This period also saw the circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition (1519-1522), further proving the roundness of the Earth and the vastness of the oceans.

Impact

The Age of Discovery had profound impacts on the world, leading to the Columbian Exchange, which involved the massive exchange of plants, animals, foods, human populations (including slaves), communicable diseases, and culture between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. This exchange significantly altered the way of life worldwide, with the introduction of new crops boosting populations, but also leading to the spread of diseases that decimated indigenous populations in the Americas.

The era also marked the beginning of European colonialism and imperialism, with the establishment of overseas colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. This led to the rise of the Atlantic Slave Trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly transported to the New World as part of the triangular trade system.

Legacy

The Age of Discovery laid the groundwork for the modern globalized world, with the integration of the Americas into the global trade network. It also led to the rise of Western dominance in world affairs, a trend that would continue into the modern era. The period is also noted for its advancements in navigation and cartography, enabling future explorations and the expansion of European influence across the globe.

See Also

• European colonization of the Americas
• Maritime history
• Exploration of Africa
• Spice trade