Age of Exploration
Which two European nations led the early voyages of exploration during the 1400s?
Portugal and Spain
Who conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521?
Hernán Cortés
What is the Columbian Exchange?
The global transfer of plants, animals, and goods between Europe and the Americas
Who was Zheng He?
A Chinese admiral and explorer during the Ming Dynasty
What was the encomienda system?
A system where Spanish colonists could demand labor or tribute from Native Americans
What invention helped sailors determine direction at sea?
The compass
Which explorer’s expedition destroyed the Inca Empire?
Francisco Pizarro
Name one crop that was introduced to Europe from the Americas.
Maize (corn), potatoes, or tomatoes
Under which Chinese dynasty did Zheng He lead his voyages?
The Ming Dynasty
What group had the most power in colonial Latin America’s social structure?
Peninsulares
What major event in 1453 caused Europeans to search for new water routes to Asia?
The fall of the Byzantine Empire to the Ottoman Turks
What advantage helped the Spanish defeat larger native armies?
Superior weapons and military technology
Name one product or animal introduced to the Americas from Europe.
Horses, cattle, or wheat
What was the main purpose of Zheng He’s voyages across the Indian Ocean?
To promote trade, collect tribute, and show China’s power
What major event caused Europeans to import enslaved Africans to the Americas?
Death of Native Americans due to disease
What term describes the art and science of mapmaking that improved navigation?
Cartography
What was one major effect of European diseases on Native American populations?
Massive population decline due to lack of immunity
How did the Columbian Exchange impact European economies?
New crops and resources promoted economic growth
What regions did Zheng He visit during his seven voyages?
Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and East Africa
Define the Middle Passage.
The forced voyage of enslaved Africans to the Americas
How did the rise of nation-states in Europe encourage exploration?
Powerful monarchies funded expeditions to increase wealth and power
Define imperialism as it relates to the conquest of the Americas.
The domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another region
How did the Columbian Exchange change diets and cultures around the world?
It introduced new foods that became staples and increased population growth
Why did the Ming government end Zheng He’s voyages after 1433?
The government wanted to focus on internal affairs and saw foreign trade as unnecessary
What was the overall goal of the Triangular Trade system?
To keep goods, labor, and profits circulating between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. (Maintain a Global Trade Economy)