Question bank: European Maritime Expansion: Review

The European maritime expansion of the 15th and 16th centuries was a historical process that led European nations to explore new commercial and territorial routes. Based on this context, what were the main factors that drove this maritime expansion?

During the late Middle Ages and early Modern Age, Europe experienced a period of intense maritime expansion, resulting in great geographical discoveries and cultural and commercial exchange. This movement was made possible by the combination of technological advances, such as the invention of the caravel and the compass, with the encouragement and investment of European kingdoms. Portugal and Spain stood out as pioneers in this process, exploring new trade routes and reaching unknown lands. Portuguese navigators, led by Henry the Navigator, undertook important exploration voyages, while Spanish expeditions, sponsored by the Crown, resulted in the arrival in America. Considering the context of European maritime expansion, identify a technological factor that drove overseas voyages and an important actor who sponsored these expeditions. Then, mention a specific territory (or region) that was reached by one of these actors in the maritime expansion process.

During the European maritime expansion, the main colonizing nations developed various technologies to facilitate their exploration of the oceans and seas of the world. Among them were nautical maps, which allowed safe navigation for long distances; astrolabes, which were used to measure the height of the sun; and magnetic compasses, which allowed to identify directions in the darkness of the night. What other equipment was used during this time?