In this unit you learned about exploration that took place in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. European countries led most of these explorations. What were some of the motives for exploration and expansion at that time? Who led these expeditions? What were some of the consequences of expansion for native groups and peoples? When they were alive, many explorers were hailed as brave heroes for charting the unknown. But some people today have been critical of these individuals. What is your opinion of explorers and their voyages during the First Global Age?

The correct answers to these open questions are the following.

What were some of the motives for exploration and expansion at that time?

Explorers of the middle ages were hired by the European kings to sail and discover new routes to distant lands such as the Indies and the African coasts, in order to explore, conquer, and exploit the many raw materials and natural resources of those continents. That is how the Spanish first arrive in the Americas. In this case, Christopher Columbus, who arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492.

Who led these expeditions?

As I told you above, explorers such as Americo Vespucio, Christoper Columbus, or Ferdinand Magellan were some of the famous explorers of the 1400s and 1500s.

What were some of the consequences of expansion for native groups and peoples?

European kings sent their armies to conquer and colonize these territories, as was the case of the Spanish in Mesoamerica, or the French and British in the North American territory.  Europeans settled in new towns and colonies, displaced Native Indians from their lands, and spread many unknown diseases such as chickenpox, smallpox, malaria, cholera, and influenza, killing almost 70 to 80% of the native Indian population.

When they were alive, many explorers were hailed as brave heroes for charting the unknown. But some people today have been critical of these individuals. What is your opinion of explorers and their voyages during the First Global Age?

Yes, it is a controversial topic. But as some modern historians think today, these European kings and the conquerors caused too much pain, suffering, and destruction with the colonization and evangelization process. Nothing to be proud of.