15th Century European Exploration and Colonization

Background and Context

• European Trade:
  • Genoa and Venice controlled luxury trade from the Indies.
  • 1453: Fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans ends the Italian republics' golden age.
• Portuguese Ambitions:
  • Portugal seeks a new trade route to the Indies, propelled by advancements like the Caravelle.
  • 1484: Columbus proposes a westward route to Asia, rejected by Portugal.

Spanish Exploration

• Christopher Columbus:
  • 1492: Columbus' expedition funded by Spain.
  • Lands in the Caribbean, mistaking it for Asia.
  • Establishes La Hispaniola; returns with goods and Taino people.

Treaty of Tordesillas

• Portugal and Spain's Agreement:
  • Meridian divides new lands: east to Portugal, west to Spain.

Portuguese Discoveries

• Vasco de Gama:
  • 1498: Reaches India via Cape of Good Hope.
• Discovery of Brazil:
  • 1500s: Portuguese expedition finds Brazil, noted for its red dye wood.

Spanish Colonization

• New Discoveries and Colonies:
  • Introduction of new products to Europe from the Americas.
  • Spread of diseases decimates indigenous populations.
• Hernan Cortes and the Aztecs:
  • Conquest of Tenochtitlan.
• Francisco Pizarro and the Incas:
  • Conquest of the Inca Empire.
• Resistance and Rebellions:
  • Incas and Mapuches resist Spanish control.

European Rivals and Colonies

• England and France:
  • England seeks new routes; establishes Jamestown.
  • France explores Acadia; conflict with local populations.
• Dutch Expansion:
  • Found New Amsterdam; expand in Brazil but later expelled.

The Slave Trade

• Economic Growth:
  • Sugar plantations and mining need large labor forces.
  • Growth in the transatlantic slave trade.

17th Century Developments

• Colonial Rivalries:
  • France and England vie for North American dominance.
• Jesuit Missions:
  • Attempts to protect native populations from colonists.

Key Events in the 18th Century

• British Dominance:
  • Expansion in North America; annexation of territories.
  • Seven Years' War gives Britain control over French colonies.
• Russian Exploration:
  • Vitus Bering explores Alaska, initiates Russian expansion.

Conclusion

• Britain as a Maritime Power:
  • Post-war, Britain imposes new taxes on colonies to recover finances.