10. Exploration and Sailors in Elizabethan England

What was the primary motivation behind Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the globe?

• To establish diplomatic relations with Asian empires

• To raid Spanish ships and settlements

• To discover new scientific knowledge

• To find a mythical city of gold

State two improvements in shipbuilding during the Elizabethan era and its impact on exploration.

Answer explanation

Lateen sails = faster ships and more maneuverable

Smaller cannons = increased accuracy - fire over long distances (100m) so no need to board ships (Spanish tactic)

Astrolabe = improved navigation to help discover new lands

By the mid-1600's, which trade route was established as a result of Elizabethan exploration? - (Clue:John Hawkins and Franc Drake started selling __________ from West Africa)

• The Silk Road

• The Spice Route

• The Atlantic Slave Trade

• The Northwest Passage

Astrolabes were important for navigation because they helped sailors......?

• Judge how far north or south they were

• How heavy their ships were to prevent ships from sinking

• The direction of the North Star even during the day

• Keep track of the direction they had sailed from

Explain the role of privateers in Elizabethan exploration. Give an example of a famous privateer.

Answer explanation

Privateers were sailors who were given permission from the Queen to explore new land and raid Spanish ships and ports.

Essentially pirates, they brought wealth to England, aiding Elizabethan exploration and expansion.

Example - Francis Drake

State two important consequences of Francis Drakes voyage of 1577-1580:

Answer explanation

Stole: 80 pounds of gold, 26 tons of silver

• gave half to the Queen which was more than annual Royal income.

Claimed new land - New Albion which inspired other explores like Walter Reighley to claim more land like Virginia - FOUNDATION OF EMPIRE.

Drake started a settlement called ___ ______, which inspired future explores such as Walter ________ to establish V_______. This laid the foundations of the British Empire which would span __% of the globe.

Answer explanation

Drake started a settlement called New Albion, which inspired future explores such as Walter Reighley to establish Virginia. This laid the foundations of the British Empire which would span 25% of the globe.

What was the impact of Elizabethan exploration on indigenous populations?

• It led to cultural exchange and mutual understanding

• It resulted in the spread of diseases and displacement

• It had no significant impact

• It led to the establishment of joint trade agreements

Which of the following was NOT a result of Elizabethan exploration?....the others ARE consequences of exploration

• The establishment of the East India Company

• The discovery of Australia

• The defeat of the Spanish Armada

• The colonisation of Virginia

State three motives for exploration:

Answer explanation

Wealth - stealing from Spanish and trade routes

Trade routes - Slavery and EIC (east india trading company)

Support from Queen - Drake was knighted in 1580 following his voyage

Claiming new land - Drake (New Albion) and Reighley (Virginia)