Age of Discovery
Definition
The Age of Discovery refers to an era from around 1400-1600 when Europeans explored Africa, Asia and America extensively for trade routes and wealth opportunities.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing an open-world video game where new areas become accessible as you progress through levels. That's what it was like for Europeans during this time - they were discovering new lands with different resources which changed their understanding of world geography dramatically!
Related terms
Colonialism: The policy or practice by which one country gains control over another area with intent to exploit its resources.
Mercantilism: An economic theory popular during this age where nations sought to increase their wealth by obtaining large amounts of gold and silver and by selling more goods than they bought.
Columbian Exchange: The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries.
"Age of Discovery" appears in:
Practice Questions (20+)
What did European society experience during the Renaissance and Age of Discovery?
What led to increased European overseas expansion during the Renaissance and Age of Discovery?
What was one of the main economic reasons for overseas expansion during the Age of Discovery?
When did the Age of Discovery begin?
Which of the following is not an impact of the Renaissance and Age of Discovery on European society?
The Age of Discovery contributed to the development of:
How might post-colonial theory critique explorations during the Age of Discovery within the broader context of the Renaissance?
How did New Monarchies contribute to the Age of Discovery?
Which country initiated the Age of Discovery in Europe?
How did Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation indirectly contribute to an increase in European explorations during the Age of Discovery?
How did rivalry among colonial powers during the Age of Discovery compare to the scramble for Africa in the late-19th century?
What was the primary purpose of the voyages during the Age of Discovery?
Which city became an important hub during The Age of Discovery due to its navigational schools?
Which historical event marked the beginning of the Age of Discovery?
What is the primary reason for the beginning of the Age of Discovery in Europe?
Who played a significant role in initiating Portugal's exploration during the Age of Discovery?
Which innovation greatly facilitated maritime exploration during The Age of Discovery?
What new ship design allowed Europeans to explore and chart unknown waters during Age Of discovery?
Who is considered to be the primary initiator of the Age of Discovery?
What cultural movement played a key role in inspiring Europe's Age of Discovery?
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