Age of Exploration Vocabulary

Front

A sea route through the Arctic Ocean along the northern coast of North America, sought by explorers as a direct route from Europe to Asia.

Back

Northwest Passage

Front

Steady winds that blow from east to west near the equator, caused by the Earth’s rotation and the uneven heating of the atmosphere.

Back

Trade Winds

Front

A network of overland trade routes that connected China, India, and the Middle East to Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and ideas before sea exploration expanded.

Back

Silk Road

Front

To sail or travel completely around the entire Earth.

Back

Circumnavigate

Front

The widespread exchange of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and diseases between the Americas and Europe following Columbus's voyages.

Back

Columbian Exchange

Front

The act of conquering or taking control of a region or people by force.

Back

Conquest

Front

A territory ruled or governed by a distant country, often settled by colonists and exploited for its resources.

Back

Colony

Front

The activity of buying and selling goods and services, especially on a large scale, such as the global trade networks established during the Age of Exploration.

Back

Commerce

Front

The exchange of valuable spices like pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, primarily between Europe, Asia, and Africa. These goods were in high demand for their ability to preserve food and add flavor, motivating European exploration for new trade routes.

Back

Spice Trade

Front

To plan, direct, and manage the course of a ship or other form of transportation over a long distance.

Back

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