Transformation of Global Commerce and Colonisation through European Maritime Exploration
European maritime exploration in the 15th to 17th centuries fundamentally reshaped global commerce and colonisation, marking the onset of an interconnected world.
Empire and Colonialism
- The Age of Discovery saw European powers like Spain, Portugal, England, and France establishing vast colonial empires.
- Key territories included the Americas, parts of Asia, and Africa, facilitating the extraction of resources and wealth.
- The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, demonstrating early imperial strategies.
Revolutions and Transformations
- Maritime exploration catalysed the Scientific Revolution, enhancing navigation and shipbuilding techniques.
- Prolonged contact with different cultures led to the Atlantic Slave Trade, which dramatically transformed societies involved.
Trade Networks and Economic History
- New trade routes emerged, connecting Europe with the Americas, Africa, and Asia, significantly expanding global trade.
- Notable goods included sugar, tobacco, and spices, which became integral to European economies.
- The establishment of joint-stock companies (e.g., the British East India Company, founded in 1600) facilitated large-scale commerce.
Religion and Belief Systems
- European exploration was driven by a desire to spread Christianity, exemplified by missionary activities in colonised regions.
- This led to significant religious transformations, including the conversion of Indigenous peoples.
Technological and Scientific Developments
- Advancements in navigation, such as the astrolabe and Caravel ship designs, improved long-distance sea travel.
- Cartography also advanced, with maps becoming more accurate, aiding exploration and navigation.
Global Interconnectedness
- Exploration connected disparate economies, cultures, and populations, leading to the Columbian Exchange of plants, animals, and diseases.
- This interconnectedness initiated globalisation, which had profound socio-economic and cultural impacts.
Comparative Civilisations
- Interactions between European powers and civilisations like the Aztecs and Incas revealed stark contrasts in technology and organisation.
- These differences often led to the collapse and assimilation of Indigenous societies.
Socio-Cultural and Political Reasons
- The quest for new trade routes was motivated by both competition and rivalry among European nations.
- Political ambitions and national wealth drove exploration, as empires vied for supremacy and dominance over global trade.
