Technological Advances and Age of Exploration - AP European History

What was the main goal of the Spanish encomienda system?

To control and exploit Indigenous labor and resources. Forced labor system extracting wealth from indigenous peoples.
Identify the ship design that improved long-distance voyages in the 15th century.

The caravel. Featured triangular sails and shallow draft for ocean voyages.
Identify the explorer who discovered the New World in 1492.

Christopher Columbus. Reached Caribbean islands while seeking westward route to Asia.
Which device was essential for determining latitude at sea?

The astrolabe. Measured sun and star angles to determine position.
Which invention allowed sailors to determine their direction at sea?

The magnetic compass. Pointed to magnetic north, providing reliable directional reference.
Name the Portuguese prince who sponsored early explorations along the African coast.

Prince Henry the Navigator. Established navigation school and funded exploration expeditions.
Which country emerged as a leading sea power during the Age of Exploration?

Spain. Controlled vast American territories and Pacific trade.
Which explorer is credited with discovering the sea route to India?

Vasco da Gama. Sailed around Africa's Cape of Good Hope to reach Asia.
What was the significance of the Spanish Armada in relation to exploration?

Its defeat marked the decline of Spanish naval power. Shifted naval dominance from Spain to England.
Name the device that improved navigation by measuring the height of the sun.

The sextant. More accurate than astrolabe for celestial navigation measurements.
What was the main outcome of the Treaty of Zaragoza?

It divided Asian territories between Spain and Portugal. Extended Treaty of Tordesillas to Pacific territories.
What was the main economic theory driving European exploration and colonization?

Mercantilism. Emphasized accumulating wealth through favorable trade balances.
What was the main function of the quadrant in navigation?

To measure the altitude of celestial bodies. Calculated latitude by measuring angles of stars.
Which technological advance enabled more accurate maps during the Age of Exploration?

The use of the printing press. Enabled mass reproduction of accurate geographical knowledge.
What impact did the Columbian Exchange have on Europe?

It introduced new crops and goods to Europe. Brought potatoes, tomatoes, sugar, and other products.
Which European nation first established trade routes to the Spice Islands?

Portugal. Portuguese explorers reached Indonesia's valuable spice markets.
Which innovation improved the accuracy of long-distance maritime travel?

The astrolabe and sextant. Combined instruments provided precise celestial navigation capabilities.
What was the significance of the Line of Demarcation in the 15th century?

It divided the non-European world between Spain and Portugal. Created boundary splitting global territories between two powers.
Which invention allowed sailors to more accurately plot longitude?

The marine chronometer. Precise timekeeping enabled accurate longitude calculations at sea.
What was the primary function of the lead line in maritime navigation?

To measure water depth. Weighted rope measured water depth for safe navigation.
Which explorer is known for his voyage to the Caribbean islands?

Christopher Columbus. Made four voyages to Caribbean between 1492-1504.
What was the primary role of the Casa de Contratación?

To regulate Spanish exploration and trade. Spanish colonial administration controlling trade and exploration.
Which explorer is credited with discovering the Mississippi River?

Hernando de Soto. Explored southeastern United States and found major river.
What is the significance of the Portolan charts?

They provided detailed coastal maps for navigation. Medieval charts showing Mediterranean coastlines and ports.
Identify the major technological innovation that improved shipbuilding in the 15th century.

The caravel design. Combined square and triangular sails for oceanic voyages.
What was the main motive behind European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries?

To find new trade routes to Asia. Bypassing Ottoman control of overland spice trade routes.
Which invention spread knowledge of navigational techniques in the 15th century?

The printing press. Spread maps, charts, and navigation manuals widely.
Which technological advance allowed for the accurate measurement of time at sea?

The marine chronometer. Enabled precise longitude determination for ocean navigation.
Which European country led the early explorations along the west coast of Africa?

Portugal. Prince Henry the Navigator sponsored systematic African exploration.
What was the primary purpose of the astrolabe in navigation?

To determine latitude by measuring celestial angles. Used star positions to calculate precise location coordinates.
What was the purpose of the lateen sail in navigation?

Allowed ships to sail against the wind. Triangular sail design enabled sailing closer to wind direction.
What technological advancement allowed for the construction of larger ships?

The development of the sternpost rudder. Improved steering control enabled larger vessel construction.
Identify the explorer who claimed Brazil for Portugal in 1500.

Pedro Álvares Cabral. Accidentally discovered Brazil while sailing to India.
Who was the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean from the New World?

Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Crossed Panama Isthmus and sighted the Pacific in 1513.
What was the primary goal of the Treaty of Tordesillas?

To divide the New World between Spain and Portugal. Established spheres of influence to prevent territorial conflicts.
What advancement allowed for the creation of more detailed maps in the 15th century?

Improved cartography techniques. Precise measurements and printing press enabled better maps.

Study these flashcards