Christopher Columbus & the Cause of Exploration (College Board AP® US History)

Christopher Columbus & the causes of exploration

Timeline

• European exploration and conquest began at the start of the 15^th century and ended around the beginning of the 19^th century

• Spain and Portugal were the first countries to sail west to explore new routes to Asian markets

• They aimed to enhance their wealth and power

• Silk, gold, spices, and enslaved people were bought and sold in Asian markets via overland routes

Why search for new routes to Asian markets?

• Overland journeys were hazardous

  • Robbers and thieves attacked trading merchants

  • It was cheaper to go by ship than to travel overland

• Explorers searched for the 3 G’s: gold, glory, and God

  • Gold for the wealth it would bring them and their nations

  • Glory for the fame when they returned to Europe

  • God for the fear of Islam and the desire to spread Christianity

Christoper Columbus

• Columbus was an Italian navigator who sailed for Spain in 1492

• Three ships made the first voyage: Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria

• They landed in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola