AP European History
🇪🇺ap european history review
1.11 Causation in the Renaissance and Age of Discovery
Verified for the 2025 AP European History exam•Last Updated on March 19, 2025
Effects of the Renaissance & Age of Discovery
The Renaissance and the Age of Discovery were generally the age of rediscovery of ancient Greece and Rome works. They led to new values in society and religion. These new ideas promoted:
- Social Changes
- Shift towards humanism and individualism
- Questioning of traditional authority, including the Church
- Growth of secularism and appreciation for art and science
- Economic Changes
- Increased commercial and agricultural production
- Expansion of trade networks and banking innovations
- Rise of mercantilism and early capitalism
- Technological and Scientific Advancements
- Improvement in navigation tools (compass, astrolabe, cartography)
- Development of new ship designs like caravels
- Advances in weaponry, allowing for military superiority in conquests
- Overseas Expansion
- Technological advancements made traveling easier
- European empires sought new lands for resources and trade
- Competition for global dominance among European powers
Effects of the Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange had the most lasting effects on the world. The development of a commercial economy made colonies overseas even more attractive for economic reasons. Key effects included:
- Economic Effects
- Expansion of the transatlantic trade
- Growth of plantation economies based on cash crops (sugar, tobacco, cotton)
- Increase in wealth for European nations and rise of capitalism
- Development of triangular trade: slaves → cash crops → finished goods
- Social and Cultural Effects
- Spread of Christianity and European languages
- Forced migration of African slaves, leading to the transatlantic slave trade
- Destruction and displacement of indigenous populations and cultures
- Introduction of new foods, animals, and agricultural techniques
- Environmental Effects
- Exchange of crops (potatoes, maize, tomatoes to Europe; wheat, livestock to the Americas)
- Deforestation and soil depletion due to European farming techniques
- Spread of new diseases like smallpox, which devastated indigenous populations
- Political Effects
- European nations established vast overseas empires
- Increased rivalries and conflicts over colonial territories
- Strengthening of centralized monarchies through wealth gained from colonies
🎥 Watch: AP European History - Age of Exploration
Key Terms to Review (15)
Age of Discovery: The Age of Discovery, spanning roughly from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, was a period characterized by European exploration and colonization of new territories across the globe. This era was driven by advancements in navigation, a desire for trade, and competition among European powers, significantly shaping global interactions and economies.
Agricultural Production: Agricultural production refers to the process of cultivating crops and raising livestock for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. This term plays a significant role in shaping economies, societies, and technologies throughout history, particularly during transformative periods such as the Renaissance and Age of Discovery, as well as during significant technological advancements since 1914 that have revolutionized farming practices.
Ancient Rome: Ancient Rome refers to the civilization that originated from the city of Rome and expanded to become one of the most influential empires in history, lasting from approximately 753 BC until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476. This civilization laid the groundwork for modern governance, law, architecture, and culture, impacting both the Renaissance and Britain's global prominence.
Ancient Greece: Ancient Greece refers to the civilization that emerged in the Mediterranean region, particularly on the Greek peninsula, from around the 8th century BC until the Roman conquest in the 2nd century BC. This period is marked by significant advancements in art, philosophy, politics, and science, laying the foundation for Western culture and influencing later developments during the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution.
Capitalism: Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods and are responsible for producing goods and services for profit. This system promotes competition, innovation, and the free market, significantly influencing various historical contexts and developments.
Cash Crops: Cash crops are agricultural crops that are grown primarily for sale rather than for personal consumption. These crops, such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton, became significant during the Age of Discovery as European powers established colonies and sought to maximize profits. The cultivation and trade of cash crops had profound economic impacts, contributing to the development of global trade networks and altering social structures in both Europe and the New World.
Colombian Exchange: The Colombian Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, foods, human populations, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World following Christopher Columbus's voyages in the late 15th century. This exchange drastically changed the lives of people on both sides of the Atlantic and played a crucial role in shaping global history, influencing agriculture, economy, and even cultural practices across continents.
Commercial Economy: A commercial economy is an economic system characterized by the exchange of goods and services, often driven by trade and market forces, rather than subsistence agriculture. This type of economy emerged prominently during the Renaissance and Age of Discovery, fostering increased trade routes, the establishment of merchant classes, and a focus on profit-driven ventures.
Commercial Revolution: The Commercial Revolution refers to the period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism from the late 13th century to the early 18th century, characterized by the growth of trade and commerce. This transformation was driven by factors such as increased exploration, the establishment of overseas colonies, and the rise of a capitalist economy, which reshaped social structures and created new economic practices.
European Society: European Society refers to the complex social structures, cultural norms, and economic relationships that characterized Europe throughout its history, particularly during transformative periods such as the Renaissance, Reformation, and Industrial Revolution. The interactions between different classes, genders, and ethnic groups significantly shaped the continent's development and response to major events.
European Overseas Expansion: European Overseas Expansion refers to the period of exploration and colonization by European powers from the 15th to the 17th centuries, during which they sought new trade routes, resources, and territories beyond Europe. This movement was fueled by technological advancements in navigation, economic motivations like the search for spices and precious metals, and the desire for religious conversion, leading to significant cultural exchanges and conflicts with indigenous populations.
Indigenous Populations: Indigenous populations refer to the original inhabitants of a region who maintain distinct cultural, linguistic, and social identities from the dominant society. Their experiences and interactions with colonizers during periods of exploration, trade, and conquest had profound impacts on their societies and the global landscape.
Religious Motives: Religious motives refer to the underlying beliefs, values, and goals that drive individuals or groups to act in ways that promote or defend their faith. During the Renaissance and Age of Discovery, religious motives played a crucial role in shaping exploration, colonization, and the spread of Christianity, reflecting both the desire for religious conversion and the quest for spiritual glory.
Renaissance: The Renaissance was a cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread throughout Europe, marking the transition from the medieval period to the modern age. This era is characterized by a revival of classical learning, humanism, and innovations in art, science, and literature that significantly transformed European society.
Technological Advancements: Technological advancements refer to the significant improvements and innovations in tools, machinery, and techniques that enhance productivity and efficiency across various fields. These advancements have often led to transformative changes in societies, economies, and cultures, driving progress from the Renaissance through the modern age.