1.  I will uunnddeerrssttaanndd wwhhyy EEuurrooppeeaannss wwaanntteedd ttoo
eexxpplloorree ttoo ootthheerr aarreeaass ooff tthhee wwoorrlldd && wwhhaatt
hheellppeedd tthheemm ggeett tthheerree..
Motivated by
Christian faith and
a desire for profit
Europeans want to
explore distant
lands. Caravel, a small, light ship with
triangular sails.

2. Technology Makes Exploration Possible
• In 1400s, the caravel makes it possible to sail
against wind
 caravel = ocean going ship with
triangular sails
• Astrolabe = use sun & stars for navigation
• Magnetic compass - improves tracking of direction

3. The Portuguese Explore Africa
• Prince Henry (the Navigator) supports exploration
starts navigation school
• have trading posts along west coast of Africa
1488, Bartholomew Diaz sails around southern tip of Africa

5. SPAIN
• In 1492, Christopher Columbus sails for Spain
• Reaches the Americas instead
• Opens Americas to exploration and colonization

6. Portugal
• Portugal sends an emissary to east coast of
Africa to set up friendly relations
• In 1498, Vasco da Gama sails to India
• In 1499, da Gama returns to Portugal with
valuable cargo

7. HHeerrnnaannddoo CCoorrtteess
 PPeerrssoonnaall BBaacckkggrroouunndd
• bboorrnn iinn MMeeddeelllliinn,, SSppaaiinn iinn 11448855
• WWeenntt ttoo llaaww sscchhooooll
• WWaanntteedd ttoo bbee aa ccoonnqquuiissttaaddoorr
• 11550044 jjooiinneedd eexxppeeddiittiioonn ttoo NNeeww WWoorrlldd
 CCoouunnttrryy RReepprreesseenntteedd
• SSppaaiinn
 GGooaallss ooff tthhee EExxpplloorreerr
• WWaanntteedd ttoo bbee aa ccoonnqquuiissttaaddoorr
• LLooookkiinngg ffoorr ggoolldd
• CCoonnqquueerr tthhee AAzztteeccss