Simone Lawson
The 15th century witnessed significant surges in travel and exploration, marking the beginning of the Age of Discovery (c. 1418–c. 1620) or the Age of Exploration. This period was characterized by extensive overseas exploration, colonization, and the establishment of new trade routes by European nations. Technological advancements in seafaring capabilities, coupled with the rise of colonialism and mercantilism, enabled large-scale expeditions to previously uncharted territories. The breakup of the Mongol Empire and the control of Mediterranean trade routes by the Ottoman Turks and Venetians further motivated European explorers to seek alternative routes, leading to the exploration of the African coast, the discovery of new lands, and the expansion of trade networks that laid the groundwork for early globalization.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time Period | Mid-15th to mid-16th century |
| Reason | Search for new routes |
| Explorers | Christopher Columbus, Henry the Navigator, João Gonçalves Zarco, Bartolomeu Dias, Pêro da Covilhã, Alvise Ca’ da Mosto, Diogo Cão, Zheng He, Marco Polo |
| Regions Explored | Atlantic Coastlines, Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, Cape Verde, Africa, India, the Indies, the New World, the Far East, China, Americas |
| Trade | Spices, silk, opium, sugar |
| Ships | Caravel, carvel hulls, full-rigged ships |
| Other Factors | Technological advances, colonialism, mercantilism, social and cultural changes |
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What You'll Learn
The search for new trade routes
The 15th century witnessed a surge in exploration and travel, driven by a multitude of factors, one of the most significant being the search for new trade routes. This period, known as the Age of Discovery or the Age of Exploration, saw Europeans embark on ambitious voyages to establish new maritime connections and expand their global trade networks.
One of the key motivations for the search for new trade routes was the breakdown of the vast Mongol Empire towards the end of the 14th century. This disruption meant that Western merchants could no longer rely on the traditional land routes for trade, prompting them to seek alternative paths. The Venetians and Ottoman Turks controlled access to the Mediterranean and the ancient sea routes from the East, further incentivizing the exploration of new options.
Henry the Navigator, prince of Portugal, played a pivotal role in this era. He initiated expeditions to find a sea route east by south to Cathay (China), driven by his curiosity, interest in navigation and ship design, and his religious beliefs as a Crusader. Portugal's exploration efforts led to significant discoveries, including the colonization of the Madeira Islands, the Azores, and the traversal of the African coast down to Sierra Leone. In 1487, a Portuguese emissary, Pêro da Covilhã, successfully navigated a route through Egypt and Ethiopia to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Spain, a rising power after the unification of Castile and Aragon, also sought to establish new trade routes to bypass Portugal's monopoly on West African sea routes. They funded Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1492, aiming to reach "the Indies" (East and South Asia) by travelling west. Columbus's voyage, marking the beginning of the Age of Exploration, led to the discovery of two unknown continents, later explored and exploited extensively by Europeans.
The quest for new trade routes had far-reaching consequences, leading to the colonization of the Americas, the integration of the Western Ocean, and the expansion of trade networks that laid the groundwork for early globalization. The 15th century's travel surges transformed the world, connecting previously isolated regions and fostering the exchange of people, ideas, and goods on a global scale.
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Technological advances in sea travel
The 15th century witnessed significant technological advancements in sea travel, driving one of the greatest travel surges in history. This period, known as the Age of Discovery or Exploration, saw Europeans embark on extensive overseas expeditions, colonisation, and global trade.
One of the key technological advancements was the development of new sailing techniques and ship designs. For instance, the use of square sails and lateen sails in various configurations allowed for better manoeuvrability and wind utilisation. The caravel, a carvel-built ship with a sternpost-hung rudder, offered flexibility in rigging, accommodating lateen or square sails based on voyage requirements. The full-rigged ship emerged, boasting three masts with a combination of square and lateen sails, enhancing sailing capabilities.
Improvements in navigation techniques and tools played a pivotal role in the travel surges. The magnetic compass, while already in use, became more sophisticated with the addition of the dry compass card, offering better directionality. The introduction of the astrolabe, a navigational instrument, enabled sailors to determine their latitude by measuring the height of the sun or stars above the horizon. This proved invaluable for navigation in the open sea, where land-based reference points were absent.
The production of more detailed and accurate maps during this period was another significant advancement. These maps, often oriented with east at the top, reflected the Christian belief that life originated in the East. Explorers like Marco Polo contributed to cartographic knowledge through their travels, leading to better maps that facilitated exploration.
The surge in travel was also facilitated by the establishment of sugar plantations and outposts in newly claimed lands. European powers like Portugal and Castile claimed islands like the Canaries, Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde, using them as springboards for further exploration. These outposts provided essential resources, safe harbours, and opportunities for trade and colonisation.
The quest for new trade routes and resources drove technological advancements in sea travel. Explorers like Henry the Navigator of Portugal sought better ship designs and navigational aids to realise their ambitions. The desire to bypass existing trade routes controlled by the Ottoman Turks and Venetians spurred exploration, leading to the discovery of new lands and the expansion of global trade networks.
In summary, the 15th century witnessed a revolution in sea travel technology, with advancements in sailing techniques, ship designs, navigation tools, and cartography. These innovations enabled Europeans to embark on unprecedented exploratory ventures, shaping global connections and trade in ways that would resonate for centuries to come.
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Rise of colonialism
The 15th century witnessed a significant surge in travel and exploration, marking the beginning of the Age of Discovery (c. 1418–c. 1620), also known as the Age of Exploration. This period was characterised by extensive overseas exploration and the colonisation of various regions across the globe by European powers. The rise of colonialism during this time was driven by several factors and had far-reaching consequences.
Firstly, technological advancements, particularly in seafaring and navigation, enabled Europeans to embark on long-distance journeys. The development of new ship designs, such as the caravel, improved their ability to navigate uncharted waters and withstand harsh conditions. The desire to establish new trade routes was a significant motivator for colonial expansion. Following the breakup of the Mongol Empire, Western merchants sought alternative routes to access valuable commodities such as spices, silk, incense, and drugs from the East. The Mediterranean sea routes, controlled by the Ottoman Turks and Venetians, were no longer the primary means of trade. As a result, European nations with Atlantic coastlines, such as Portugal and Spain, sought to establish direct maritime connections to Africa and Asia.
The exploration and subsequent colonisation of the Canary Islands by the kingdom of Castile in 1402 marked the beginning of Spain's colonial endeavours. Portugal, driven by Prince Henry the Navigator, followed suit with the colonisation of the Madeira Islands, the Azores, and Cape Verde. These islands served as strategic outposts for further exploration and the establishment of sugar plantations utilising enslaved labour. The Portuguese also played a pivotal role in the exploration of the African coast, with navigators such as Dinís Dias reaching the mouth of the Senegal River and Bartolomeu Dias rounding the Cape of Storms in South Africa.
The quest for new trade routes and resources led to the funding of expeditions by various European monarchs. King John II of Portugal sent Pêro da Covilhã to explore a land route through Egypt and Ethiopia to the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the joint rulers of Castile and Aragon financed Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1492, which resulted in the accidental discovery of the Americas while seeking a westward route to Asia. This sparked further exploration and colonisation by the Spanish in Central and South America, leading to the conquest of three major civilisations and the decimation of indigenous populations through disease.
The Age of Discovery transformed the world, connecting previously isolated parts of the world and laying the foundation for globalisation. It spurred international trade, cultural exchanges, and the circulation of ideas and goods. The rise of colonialism during the 15th century was a pivotal aspect of this transformative era, shaping the geopolitical landscape and the interconnected global economy that persists to this day.
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Exploration of the African coast
The 15th century witnessed significant travel surges, with European explorers embarking on voyages to discover new lands and establish trade routes. One notable focus of these expeditions was the exploration of the African coast, primarily driven by Portugal's desire to end Muslim control over northern Africa and access valuable resources.
Portugal's expeditions along the African coast were sponsored by Prince Henry, later known as Henry the Navigator, who founded a centre for seamanship around 1420. This centre played a crucial role in improving navigational techniques, mapping, and ship design. With these advancements, Portuguese sailors began their exploration of the West African coast in the first half of the 15th century.
One of the earliest achievements during this period was the voyage of Dinís Dias, a Portuguese navigator who, in 1445, reached the mouth of the Sénégal River. In the following years, Alvise Ca’ da Mosto made voyages to Gambia and the Cape Verde Islands in 1455 and 1456. These expeditions marked the beginning of Portugal's establishment of trading posts along the West African coast.
Another significant development was the discovery of the Congo River in 1482 by Diogo Cão, one of Prince Henry's captains. This discovery further fuelled the exploration of the African coast, with the Portuguese seeking a sea route to the riches of Asia and aiming to establish direct trade for valuable spices.
The quest for a sea route around Africa culminated in the achievement of Bartolomeu Dias, a Portuguese navigator. In 1488, he became the first to round the Cape of Good Hope, opening a crucial maritime passage to India and the Far East. This milestone marked a turning point in European exploration and trade, challenging the Muslim monopoly on the spice trade in Asia.
The exploration of the African coast had far-reaching consequences, including the expansion of Portuguese influence and the establishment of new trade networks. It also led to the exploitation of resources and the tragic involvement of African slaves, who were shipped to work on plantations in the Americas. While the initial focus was on the African coast, the quest for trade and resources would eventually lead to further exploration and colonisation of the continent's interior in the centuries that followed.
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The Age of Discovery
One of the earliest voyages of the Age of Discovery was initiated by Henry the Navigator, prince of Portugal, who sought a sea route to Cathay (China). Portuguese explorers made significant progress in exploring the west coast of Africa, with the first voyage of discovery occurring in 1418 with the discovery of Porto Santo Island in the Madeira archipelago. This was followed by the discovery of the main island of Madeira in 1419, and the colonisation of the Madeira Islands, the Azores, and the traversal of the African coast to Sierra Leone. In 1487, Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Storms, later named Cape of Good Hope, and reached the southern tip of Africa, proving it was possible to sail around the continent.
Another significant voyage during this period was that of Christopher Columbus in 1492, which is often considered the beginning of the Age of Exploration. Columbus was funded by the joint rulers of Spain, who sought to bypass Portugal's monopoly on West African sea routes and reach Asia by travelling west. Instead, he stumbled upon two unknown continents, later named North and South America, marking the beginning of European colonisation of the Americas.
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Frequently asked questions
The 15th century saw a surge in exploration and travel due to a combination of factors, including technological advances, the rise of colonialism, and the desire to find new trade routes. The breakup of the Mongol empire and the control of the Mediterranean by the Ottoman Turks and Venetians also played a role in pushing European explorers to seek new routes and lands.
The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, began in the early 15th century with Portuguese exploration of the west coast of Africa, particularly the rounding of Cape Bojador. In 1418, Portuguese explorers discovered Porto Santo Island and the main island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. The kingdom of Castile landed on the Canary Islands in 1402, and Portugal claimed the island of Madeira in 1418.
Portugal and Spain were among the first European countries to send expeditions during the Age of Discovery. Prince Henry of Portugal initiated the search for a sea route to the east, and explorers like Bartolomeu Dias and Diogo Cão made significant contributions. The Spanish funded expeditions across the Atlantic, leading to the discovery of the Americas. Later, other European powers like England, France, and the Netherlands also joined in the exploration and colonization of the New World.
The travels of explorers like Marco Polo sparked new interest in exploration. Their writings and records, along with those of Zheng He, a commander and explorer from China, inspired others to embark on similar journeys. These writings and maps created a desire among young, single, rich men to explore, conquer, and settle in new lands.
