European Maritime Expansion: Mercantilism | Active Summary

Objectives

1. Understand the main economic and strategic factors that drove European maritime expansion, with special attention to the role of Portugal and Spain.

2. Identify and analyze the strategies and challenges faced by navigators during the Age of Exploration.

3. Discuss the implications of mercantilism on international relations and the formation of the modern world.

Contextualization

Did you know that the competition between Portugal and Spain was not just a race for new lands, but also a contest for valuable spices that were more expensive than gold at the time? This quest not only shaped the map of the world as we know it but also introduced new flavors and ingredients that revolutionized European cuisine, impacting our diet to this day!

Important Topics

Economic and Strategic Factors

Economic and strategic factors were crucial in driving European maritime expansion. The search for new trade routes for spices and other valuable goods was motivated by the need to overcome Muslim and Venetian intermediaries who controlled trade between Asia and Europe. This economic necessity, combined with technological advancements in navigation techniques such as the compass and astrolabe, allowed Europeans to explore new territories.

• The pursuit of spices and precious metals directed European nations to invest in maritime expeditions.

• Technological advances such as the caravel, compass, and astrolabe were fundamental to the success of the Age of Exploration.

• Competition among European nations stimulated exploration to establish new routes and markets, surpassing competitors.

Pioneering of Portugal and Spain

Portugal and Spain were pioneers in the Age of Exploration, each with distinct approaches and objectives that significantly shaped the pattern of maritime expansion. Portugal, under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, focused on trade along the African coast and later on the route to India. Spain, encouraged by Portugal's success, sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage, leading to the discovery of the Americas and opening a new world for European colonization.

• Portugal developed routes along the African coast, establishing trading posts that facilitated trade and the acquisition of geographical knowledge.

• Christopher Columbus's voyage, sponsored by Spain, resulted in the discovery of the American continent, a pivotal event that redefined global trade.

• The Treaty of Tordesillas between Portugal and Spain illustrates the rivalry and diplomatic negotiation to divide discovered lands.

Mercantilism

Mercantilism was the economic theory that guided the policies of European states during the Age of Exploration. This theory emphasized the accumulation of wealth through territorial control and the establishment of commercial monopolies. Precious metals, especially gold and silver, were seen as essential for increasing national power, which led to intense colonialism and the exploitation of overseas territories.

• Mercantilism favored a positive trade balance and the accumulation of precious metals, stimulating colonialism.

• Establishment of commercial monopolies, such as the East India Companies, which regulated and controlled trade between the metropolis and colonies.

• The exploration and trade of natural and agricultural resources in the colonies supported European economies.

Key Terms

• Maritime Expansion: Refers to the period approximately between the 15th and 17th centuries when European nations explored and colonized vast regions of the world, establishing trade routes and overseas territories.

• Mercantilism: Economic system that prevailed in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries, characterized by state intervention in the economy, aiming to increase national wealth through the accumulation of precious metals.

• Caravel: Type of ship developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century, agile and capable of sailing against the wind, essential for long-distance voyages during the Age of Exploration.

To Reflect

• How did the competition between Portugal and Spain during the Age of Exploration influence other European nations in terms of politics and economy?

• In what ways did technological advancements in navigation alter the understanding of the world and interaction between different cultures and economies?

• What was the impact of mercantilism on the relations between European metropolises and their colonies, and how did this shape modern socioeconomic structures?

Important Conclusions

• We explored the economic and strategic factors that drove European maritime expansion, especially the crucial role of Portugal and Spain.

• We analyzed how mercantilism influenced economic policies and international relations, prioritizing the accumulation of wealth and territorial expansion.

• We discussed the challenges faced by navigators and how technological advances in navigation were decisive for the success of the Age of Exploration.

To Exercise Knowledge

Create a concept map that connects key explorers, the routes they developed, and the commercial products involved. Use colors and symbols to differentiate the nations and their contributions.

Challenge

Merchant's Challenge: Imagine you are a merchant in the 16th century. Create a business plan for an expedition, choosing a route, a cargo, and anticipating the challenges. Present your plan in a creative 3-minute video.

Study Tips

• Use visual resources such as historical maps and timelines to better visualize maritime routes and key events.

• Read about the biographies of famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus to understand their motivations and challenges.

• Join online forums or study groups to discuss the implications of mercantilism and how it shaped modern economies.