Reasons for Exploration and Colonization
- Economic Ambitions
- All powers sought direct access to trade routes for spices, silver, gold, and textiles, reducing dependence on Middle Eastern and Venetian traders.
- Religious Motives
- Catholic nations like Spain and Portugal wanted to spread Christianity, supported by the Jesuit and Franciscan missions.
- Political Rivalries
- Monarchs competed for global prestige; colonization became a symbol of national power.
- Technological Advances
- Innovations such as the caravel, astrolabe, and improved cartography made long-distance voyages possible.
- Scientific Curiosity
- Renaissance humanism inspired exploration to gain knowledge about geography, flora, fauna, and peoples of the world.
Definition
Astrolabe
- A navigation tool used to measure latitude by observing the stars.
Definition
Jesuit Missions
- Religious missions led by the Society of Jesus to convert indigenous peoples.
| Focus | Spanish Exploration | Portugese Exploration |
|---|---|---|
| Motives | Driven by the Reconquista spirit to spread Catholicism and expand imperial power. | Aimed to control Asian and African trade routes and spread Christianity through missions. |
| Expansion | Columbus (1492) reached the Americas; Cortés and Pizarro conquered major empires in Mexico and Peru. | Built a maritime empire with trading posts in Goa, Malacca, and Macau instead of large colonies. |
| Economic Impact | Wealth from silver mines in Potosí and Mexico fueled global trade, especially with China. | Dominated the Indian Ocean spice trade through naval power and fortified ports. |
| Decline / Legacy | The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the world with Portugal; vast empire but weakened by overextension. | Faced decline by the 17th century as Dutch and English challenged its monopoly on trade. |
Nature of European Settlements
- Spanish Settlements
- Built colonial cities with churches and administrative centers; focused on resource extraction (silver, sugar).
- Portuguese Settlements
- Established coastal forts and trading hubs rather than inland colonies (Goa, Mozambique, Malacca).
- French Settlements
- Emphasized fur trade and alliances with indigenous groups in Canada and Southeast Asia.
- Dutch Settlements
