Question bank: European Maritime Expansion: Review

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.

In the 15th century, the European maritime expansion began with the Portuguese and later followed by the Spanish, one of the main motivations being the search for commercial routes to the East Indies, more specifically for spices. Considering the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the time, 1) explain the main reasons that led to the European maritime expansion in that period; 2) discuss the importance of the Treaty of Tordesillas, signed between Portugal and Spain, for the division of the newly discovered world; and 3) analyze how this process affected the mobility and settlement of individuals, human groups, and peoples, and the relationships between them.