Wealth
What was the primary reason Spain explored Central and South America.
They were search for gold and silver.
What did Europeans find in the Americas that was new and exciting?
Products like potatoes, corn and tomatoes.
What drove European countries to compete for land and power?
Competition and bragging rights among kings and queens.
How did the European countries hope to bypass the high prices charged by the Ottoman Empire?
By finding a new sea route to Asia.
What are cash crops, and which crops were most important?
Cash crops are crops sold for money. They include sugar, tobacco, and cotton.
What did explorers do to claim new territories for their countries?
They planted their flags on the new lands.
Who was the first European explorer to sail west in hopes of reaching Asia but instead discovered the Americas?
Christopher Columbus
Which country focused on training animal furs in North America?
France
What was the Spanish Armada, and what happened to it?
It was a massive fleet sent to invade England but was defeated by the English Navy.
What was the impact of Spain's treasure find?
It made Spain the richest country in Europe.
What was the Columbian Exchange?
The swapping of plants, animals and foods between the Old World and New World.
How did Britain gan confidence in its naval power in the the late 1500's?
By defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588.
What country was Christopher Columbus born in?
Italy
What negative consequence did the Columbian Exchange bring to indigenous peoples?
The introduction of diseases like smallpox.
Why was it important for countries to have strong navies during this period?
To protect trade routes and treasure ships from pirates and rival countries.