5.1.8 - Quick Check: Voyages of Discovery Quick Check
1. What were the main motivations for European exploration during the Age of Discovery?
- The main motivations for European exploration during the Age of Discovery were to find new trade routes to Asia, to spread Christianity, to gain wealth and power, and to explore and claim new territories.
2. What impact did the Age of Discovery have on the world?
- The Age of Discovery had a significant impact on the world by leading to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between different parts of the globe. It also resulted in the colonization and exploitation of indigenous peoples and territories, as well as the spread of diseases that decimated populations.
3. Name one significant explorer of the Age of Discovery and describe their contributions.
- One significant explorer of the Age of Discovery was Christopher Columbus, who is credited with the "discovery" of the Americas in 1492. His voyages helped to initiate European colonization of the Americas and led to the exchange of goods and cultures between the Old World and the New World. However, Columbus' actions also had negative consequences for indigenous populations, including forced labor, enslavement, and the spread of diseases.