Who Am I?
He was a priest who became rich through his encomienda. He spent his time in Hispaniola teaching Christianity to the natives while assisting in keeping any rebellions from fermenting. After witnessing the horrors of Spanish rule in Cuba, he would begin his campaign to end the encomienda system and started by giving up his own. In a truly catastrophic lightbulb moment, las Casas came up with the ingenious idea of switching to African labor in 1517 and continued his work to protect natives throughout the acquired territories of Spain.
Bartolomé de las Casas
Mina was the name of the first Portuguese settlement in Ghana; known today as Elmina. Once established feitorias or factories were set up around the 1440s.
What goods would be exchanged and loaded for the return trip to Europe?
The ships would be unloaded and then filled with gold, spices, ivory and slaves for the return trip home.
Gadifer de la Salle set out on the expedition looking to get rich. What was the reason given by Jean de Béthencourt undertaking the voyage?
Béthencourt expressed his “wish” to spread Christianity to the ‘heathens’ the pair were able to set sail, along with a crew, on May 1st, 1402.
In Hispaniola, Columbus come across an “uncivilized and barbaric” people. Why? Why not?
The ‘Tainos’ lived in organized settlements with populations of 5,000 in the larger ones. Here the men hunted and fished while women worked the land, birthed and raised children, as well as performed other duties. There was even a hierarchy system in place.
I am Bartolomeo Perestrello’s daughter and ______________ married me to cement ties to a known Portuguese family. A very advantageous match for us both when one considered the small sailor community.
Columbus / Cristoforo Colombo
Mina was the name of the first Portuguese settlement in Ghana; known today as Elmina. Once established feitorias or factories were set up around the 1440s.
What goods would European ships unload for trade?
European ships docked loaded with cloth, beads, horses, brass goods, and guns as well as other weapons.
What was brought back to Europe as proof of Columbus’ discoveries?
Columbus returned to Europe on January 16th, 1493 with what little gold he had found, tropical fruits and vegetables, parrots, as well as some of the natives (Lucayo) they had baptized; as proof of his success.
The Church replaced the Roman Empire as the most powerful force in Europe. Their dominance during the Early Middle Ages was a major reason later scholars branded the period as _________________, believing the clergy repressed intellectual progress in favor of religious piety. (fill in the blank)
the "Dark Ages"
Who was an influential sailor during Columbus’ formative years and who influenced many an explorer?
Marco Polo
Given the lack of true separation between Church and State, What was the Church’s involvement in the slave trade?
Pope Nicholas V approval proved essential given the power of the Church and the fact that he gave permission for the enslavement of “non-believers” to continue. Lending creedence to religion as a justification for slavery; the Pope’s blessing gave slavers carte blanche.
With the improvement in travel accommodations came an increase in traffic along the already existing trade routes. What was being traded?
Sailors would have traded in oils, sugar, spices, and cloth as well as the more heinous trade of human beings. The slave trade existing long before the arrival of Europeans and a way of life in the Mediterranean.
The age of exploration change the very fabric of European language and politics. How so?
A new word was added to the Portuguese language, by 1472, the verb descobrir (to discover) and later, 1486, the word descobrimento (discovery) was also used. Port cities throughout Europe were no longer mere outposts but vital trading and military locations.
I was a mythical Christian who was believed to have traveled to Ethiopia. Once there I became a king with access to gold and soldiers to defeat all of Christendom's enemies.
Prester John
The high octane race of conquest and colonization proved too much for the strenuous relationship of Portugal and Castile. The constant fighting was settled by the Vatican through a series of edicts. What are these edicts?
Expeditionary news was now quickly being spread thanks to the 1450s innovation of the printing press.
What effects, therefore, did the printing press have on the expeditionary age?
Eager English, Dutch and French sailors soon joined in the exploration. The trips from Europe to the Caribbean were now a well established “cruise” route to a place of fantasies, lawlessness and free of social norms; which was also brutal, violent and deadly. Although different from the stories, the Caribbean awaited them and none could resist its temptation.
The true history of the Caribbean begins long before what is taught by Eurocentric educators.
Why? Why not?
Caribbean history begins long before the arrival of Columbus and other Europeans. It begins with the July 25th, 1415 voyage of Prince Henry of Portugal “the Navigator” and some 45,000 accompanying soldiers to the North African port city of Ceuta.
I went to Cueta for wheat and gold. Made several trips to other places but ended up going back home to build a school and help launch others into the exploration era.
Prince Henry / The Navigator
What impediments or obstacles did Columbus face prior to his Spanish approved departure in August of 1492? (3 part answer)
Madeira was an island quite close to both the Canary islands and Lisbon.
Why had the island not been “discovered” and colonized simultaneously with the Canaries?
While it had been noticed, Portugal could not be bothered with Madeira until reports, in 1417, of Castilian ships as well as Gonçalves and Vaz’s voyage were put forth. Portugal’s John I soon decided to send in settlers to prevent Castilian takeover as well as that of any other European countries.
There were many political and diplomatic issues plaguing the continent during the age of exploration. Why? Why not?
There was the ongoing battle with the ‘Infidels’. Adding to the booming role of commerce in the economic development in Portugal and throughout Europe. This growing economy, however, caused a demand for an already short supply of gold and silver.