European Exploration and the Arrival in the Americas

Introduction

• Discussion on why European states began exploring the Americas and the consequences.

Reasons for European Exploration

• Population rebound after the Black Plague.
• Political unification and centralized governments led by powerful monarchs.
• Agricultural and commercial profits led to a wealthy upper class desiring luxury goods from Asia.
• Desire for new trade routes to Asia due to control of land routes by other entities.

Portugal's Role

• Prince Henry the Navigator sought a sea route to Asia by going around Africa.
• Establishment of a trading post empire along the African coast.
• Portugal’s dominance in the Indian Ocean trade.
• Utilization of maritime technology:
  • Caravels: nimble trading ships.
  • Updated maritime charts and astronomical tables.
  • Astrolabe and sternpost rudder for improved navigation.

Spain's Involvement

• Spain’s motivation for exploration:
  • Economic gain.
  • Spreading Christianity.
• Sponsorship of Christopher Columbus by Isabella and Ferdinand.
• Columbus's 1492 voyage and accidental discovery of the Americas (Caribbean).
• Misconception that the Americas were the East Indies.

Impact of Columbus’s Discovery

• Hospitable behavior of indigenous people.
• Enslavement and return to Spain with gold and native people.
• Incentive for further Spanish exploration.
• Realization that a new continent had been discovered.
• Initiation of the Columbian Exchange (to be discussed in the next video).

Conclusion

• Summary of key points from Unit 1, Topic 3 of AP U.S. History.
• Encouragement to subscribe and obtain review packets for better performance in exams.