Chapter 2: New Empires in the Americas

Section 1: European Set Sail

The Vikings - First European Contacts with North America

• Originated from Scandinavia (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark)
• Known as fierce warriors with a reputation for raiding and killing
• Developed trading networks, reached as far as Russia
• Leif Erikson
  • Sailed from Norway to North America around 1000 A.D.
  • Landed in Canada (Labrador and Newfoundland) after being blown off course
  • Established settlement in Vinland (modern Newfoundland)
  • Settlement did not last due to isolation and attacks from Native Americans
• Greenland vs. Iceland naming
  • Greenland: Named to mislead invaders; mostly ice and rock
  • Iceland: Contrary to its name, has green grass and active volcanoes

Rise of Exploration Interest

• Interest in exploring new lands grew after the Vikings
• Prince Henry the Navigator (Portugal)
  • Did not explore but advanced exploration through navigation schools
  • Established a school of navigation and an observatory
  • Financed mapmakers, shipbuilders, and expeditions to Africa

Technological Advances in Navigation

• Astrolabe: Used stars to chart locations for navigation
• Caravel: Ship with triangular sails, could sail against the wind, smaller and faster

Motivations for Exploration

• Portugal's Goals
  • Find new sea routes to Asia for trade
  • Spread Christianity
  • Learn about Asia and its culture (inspired by Marco Polo's accounts)

Notable Portuguese Explorers

• Bartolomeu Dias (1488)
  • Explored the western coast of Africa
  • Reached the Cape of Good Hope
• Vasco de Gama (1497)
  • Continued Dias's route to reach India
  • First European to find a sea route to Asia
  • Made stops for exploration and trade along the African coast

Impact of Portuguese Exploration

• Portugal becomes a leading power in exploration
• Initiated early slave trade and negotiated for gold and ivory in Africa
• Prompted other European countries to seek their own routes to Asia