Western Europe during the Age of Discovery
Highly Religious Christians. Holy War (Crusades) to recapture Jerusalem and Spain from Muslims. Religious disagreements divide Western Europe into Protestants and Catholics (Reformation).
Politically divided into competing kingdoms: Spain, France, England, ect…
Increasingly influence of science and interest in the world (ex. Renaissance)
Marco Polo
Went on a trade journey across Silk Road to China
Saw how others lived Wrote influential “Description of the
World”
Christopher Columbus
Looking for ocean route to trade with India
Landed in Bahamas Conquered native peoples and Set
up first Spanish colony in Western Hemisphere
Vasco da Gama
Sailed around Africa to India Announced he came to India for
“Christians and Spices” Brought back spices, silks, jewels
Ferdinand Magellan
First to sail around the world Died before he made it back
Hernan Cortez
Conquered Aztec Empire
Extended New Spain to present day Mexico
Plundered Aztec Gold and Silver made Spain richest country in Europe
Francisco Pizarro
Conquered Incan Empire
Extended New Spain to South America
Plundered Incan Gold and Silver made Spain even richer
Jacques Cartier
Sailed up the Saint Lawrence and claimed Canada for France
Francisco Coronado
Traveled through southwest United States
Gave Spain claims to land north of Mexico
Samuel de Champlain
Landed in Eastern Canada Established Quebec which was the
first permanent French settlement
Henry Hudson
Landed on North American Coast Set up fur trading post in Albany,
New York