Exploration and Colonization Terms

Front

Printing Press

Back

A device used to print text or pictures by transferring the ink from plates to paper.

Front

Astrolabe

Back

An ancient instrument used by astronomers and navigators to measure the altitude above the horizon of a star day or night.

Front

Caravel

Back

A small, fast and highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century

Front

Age of Exploration

Back

A period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century, during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and resources.

Front

Northwest Passage

Back

A sea route connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America. Explorers searched for it to find a quicker trade route to China.

Front

Columbian Exchange

Back

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Front

Colonization

Back

The act of setting up a colony away from one's place of origin.

Front

Colony

Back

A country or area under the control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country.

Front

Mother Country

Back

The country of origin of settlers or colonists in a place.