European Exploration in the 1400s

Front

What was the most important cause for the great age of European exploration in the 1400s?

Back

The search for spices

Front

What event disrupted Asian trade routes and contributed to the rise of new sea routes in the 1400s?

Back

The Black Death and the breakup of the Mongol empire

Front

Why did Western Europeans want to find a new sea route to Asia?

Back

To cut out Muslim and Italian middlemen and gain direct access to Asian riches

Front

Which instrument, first developed by the ancient Greeks and later perfected by the Arabs, helped sailors determine latitude at sea?

Back

Astrolabe

Front

What was the name of the new type of ship developed by the Portuguese that combined square sails with triangular sails?

Back

Caravel

Front

Which of the following was NOT a reason why Europeans explored overseas?

• To win new converts to Christianity
• To get rich from the spice trade
• To escape from the Renaissance
• To satisfy curiosity about lands beyond Europe

Back

To escape from the Renaissance

Front

Who was known as Henry the Navigator and played a key role in Portugal's early exploration efforts?

Back

Prince Henry

Front

What was one of Prince Henry's main goals in exploring the African coast?

Back

To find a new route to Asia that bypassed the Mediterranean

Front

Cartographer

Back

A mapmaker

Front

What did the Portuguese build in West Africa to support their voyages?

Back

Small forts