2. geographical explorations

geographical explorations paved the way for discovery of other nations

1. Geographical explorations Dr.AGHALYA.,M.A.,M.Ed.,M.PHIL., Ph.D ., Head & Asst.Professor Department of History Bon Secours College for Women Thanjavur

2. INTRODUCTION The 16th century has been called a century of geographical explorations. Till the end of the Middle Ages, Europeans were ignorant of geography. In the later developments, Europeans found new sea routes to various parts of the world. The new continents of North America, South America and Australia came to light.

3. Reasons for geographical explorations 1.When the Turks conquered the city of Constantinople in 1453 C.E., it closed the trade gates between East and West. With this, Turks started getting more profit out of spices imported from India. Due to this, the Europeans faced the inevitability of finding a new sea route to India. 2. Spain and Portugal were ambitious of competing with Arabs in sea trade. Local people and rich encouraged adventrous youth to venture into sea.

4. Reasons for geographical explorations 3. Discovery of new countries opened the possibility of spreading Christianity. 4. European curiosity was roused by the adventurous nature of sea voyage towards eastern countries. They ventured to bring in Spices, Silk, Cotton, Muslin cloth and to sell them for profit.

5. Reasons for geographical explorations 5. The experiments done during the renaissance period had proved that the Earth is round. Mariner’s compass and astrolobe equipment were helpful to sailors. Charts and maps were available to sailors. 6. Marcopolo explanined the richness of India and China in his book ‘Travels of Morcopolo ’. This book had his traveling experiences to these countries.

6. These explanations attracted the Europeans to visit these countries. Mariner’s compass Instrument used to show distance and route to navigators Astrolobe Instrument used to show time and distance of sun, planet and stars from earth Geographical explorations Map of the world (New Sea route) North Continent and Baltic Meditarenian Turky and Black Sea Bay of Parshian India Sub continent South East Asia East Portion The countries which engaged in geographical explorations after the Middle Ages were Portugal and Spain.

7. These explanations attracted the Europeans to visit these countries. The sailors sent by Henry moved around for a long period, explored the west coast of the African continent and went a long distance towards the south. Bartholomew Dias reached 31 the southern tip of African continent and called it Cape of Good Hope. In 1498 C.E. Vasco-da-Gama of Portugal sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, crossed the Indian Ocean and reached Calicut in India. Thus, the dream of reaching India by Europeans came to be a reality.

8. These explanations attracted the Europeans to visit these countries. Christopher Columbus of Genoa city , crossed the Atlantic ocean with the help of the king of Spain, reached the Bahamas in West Indies (Caribbean islands). Amerigo Vespuci of Italy , moved to the West of Europe and discovered America. While Portugal’s Kabral reached Brazil in 1500 C.E, Balboa climbed a hill near Panama Strait and saw the vast ocean to the west. That was the Pacific ocean.

9. These explanations attracted the Europeans to visit these countries. Another Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan , was the first to go round the Cape. After travelling for 5 months, he reached South America in the year 1520. From there, he reached the Philippines through the Indian ocean. One of his ships passed between the Indonesian islands, went round the earth and reached Spain via Cape of Good Hope.

10. Effects of Geographical explorations 1 . Europeans could establish direct links with America, Africa and Asia. They earned a lot of wealth and also knowledge from this. 2. The entire economic system of Europe underwent change. The prosperity of Italy and Germany declined and countries like France and England became powerful and built huge Kingdoms. 3. England and France built new markets in America and India. They founded colonies in these places and earned more profit.

11. Effects of Geographical explorations 4. The Christian preachers went to these new places and introduced their religion. 5. These explorations facilitated the exchange of ideas between the East and the West resulting in new knowledge. 6. With the help of Magellan, it was practically proved that the Earth is not flat but round. 7. As the African slaves were utilized for the economical development of North America, the slave trade came into existence.

12. THANK YOU JAI HIND