Conquest and Colonisation Flashcards
When did Europeans begin to explore other parts of the world? Who led these?
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europeans began to explore other parts of the world. The Spanish and Portuguese led these.
What were the causes of the age of exploration? (6)
new trade routes, wealth and fame for explorers, macro polo, religion, the influence of the renaissance, developments in ships and navigation.
What new ships and technology were made in ships?
New ships called caravels were build. They brought the best qualities of ships that sailed in the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea.
They were caravel built ships. Caravel-built ships could be made longer than clinker-built ships and carry more masts.
They used both square sails and lateen sails. Square sails were used to sail faster with the wind following behind. Lateen (triangular) sails were used to sail against the wind.
The caravels were steered by rudders. This gave more control over the steering.
They had castles (raised structures) on the decks at the front and back. Sailors could sight enemy ships more easily and take defensive action.
What new technology in ships navigation was made?
direction- compass
Latitude- quadrant, astrolabe, cross-staff
Speed- log and line
ships- caravels, carracks (naos), carvel-built
Sails- lateen, square
Steering- rudder
Time- sand-glass/hourglass
New technology in navigation explained.
Compasses: used to tell sailors which direction they were sailing in.
Maps: They developed maps to show true direction, correct area and the shape of landmasses, which helped later discoveries.
Speed: It was measure using a log and line and a sandglass. The log and line was measure in knots with equal distance between them on the line. Today, a ship’s speed is given in knots (nautical miles).
Explain the Spanish explorations and Christopher Columbus.
The Spanish explorations were inspired by the great voyages of Christopher Columbus.
He was born in Genoa (Italy). He got help from the king and queen of Spain (Ferdinand and Isabella).
Columbus sailed with three ships westwards because he knew the world was round and he wanted to prove this by reaching Asia and the spice islands from this side.
He discovered islands of a new continent, the Americas, instead of reaching Asia. They became known as the new world (1492).
Columbus made three other voyages that explored the main continent.
He was followed by conquistadors (conquerors) like herman Cortés and Francisco Pizarro.
What was the treaty of Tordesillas?
After Columbus’ first voyage, the pope got Spain and Portugal to sign the treaty of Tordesillas (1494) to prevent war over newly discovered lands.
The treaty drew a line on the globe from north to south (line of Tordesillas).
All discovered land on the west was Spanish land and all the land on the east of the line was Portuguese.
How did the conquest of the new world by Spain and Portugal impact the native people?
Conquerors began the conquest of the Spanish lands.
Cortés the conqueror of the Aztecs sailed to Mexico and marched inland to the Aztec Empire. Trouble broke out with Cortés and neighbouring tribes, destroyed the city and the Aztecs were forced to work as slaves in mines and fields.
Pizarro conquered the Inca empire and killed their emperor. He seized the Inca treasures and melted them down for gold. Gold and silver mines were discovered and Incas had to mine in them for 100 years.
What impact did it have on the new world?
Destroyed kingdoms of the New world.
Gold and silver sent to Europe
Opened up the Americas to other European countries.
The brutal treatment of native people.
Brought European diseases to the new world.
Brought new animals and plants to the new world.
New farming methods.
New languages and cultures.
New religion.
Explain the slave trade
Shortages of native people to work on the estates of the Europeans in the New World led to slaves being brought from Africa. These worked on cotton and sugar plantations, in mines or as domestic servants, in central, south and later north America. The slave trade continued for 300 years.
Portugal controlled the Atlantic Slave Trade. They had a contract to supply slaves to Spanish plantations in the New World.
It is estimated that 12.5 million slaves were shipped from Africa to North and South America between the 16th and 19th century. About 1.8 million slaves died on the way.
What were the plantations and how did they impact the people of the Americas?
Plantations in the West Indies were much larger than those in North America. As a result, West Indian plantations held more slaves on average, with many having over 150 slaves.
What was the Spanish system?
Haciendas, which were great estates bought from or granted to them by the king. In those Haciendas,, the landowners used the encomienda system to work their land. This system created a small rich ruling class in control of the majority of the poorer population.
How did colonisation impact Spain?
Spanish silver fleets or treasure fleets made Spain the richest country in Europe by the end of the 18th century with a huge empire.
How did colonisation impact Portugal?
Portugal also prospered from its empire. Many fine buildings were erected in the country. However, much of the power and wealth in Portugal was in the hands of a small ruling class.
