Maritime Empires Established - AP World History

Identify a key reason for the establishment of maritime empires.

Desire for trade and resources. Access to valuable goods like spices, gold, and silver drove expansion.
What was a key factor in the success of British maritime expansion?

Naval supremacy. Royal Navy controlled sea lanes and protected British commerce.
What was the significance of the Cape of Good Hope?

It was a key maritime route to Asia. Allowed ships to reach Asia without crossing Ottoman territory.
What is a maritime empire?

An empire with territories primarily overseas. Controlled territories across oceans rather than contiguous land masses.
Identify the empire known for the 'Armada' fleet.

The Spanish Empire. Attempted to invade England with massive naval force in 1588.
What was the primary goal of Portuguese maritime exploration?

Finding a sea route to Asia. Avoided Ottoman-controlled overland routes to access Asian goods.
Name a technological advancement that improved long-distance trade.

Astrolabe. Used stars and sun to determine latitude at sea.
What was the primary economic policy of maritime empires?

Mercantilism. Emphasized accumulating wealth through favorable trade balances.
Identify a major factor that contributed to the decline of maritime empires.

Colonial revolutions. Independence movements challenged imperial control worldwide.
Name one consequence of the Columbian Exchange.

The spread of diseases to the New World. European diseases devastated indigenous populations with no immunity.
Which empire established the East India Company?

The British Empire. Used trading companies to establish commercial dominance in Asia.
Which European country first established a maritime empire?

Portugal. Pioneered oceanic exploration in the early 15th century.
What role did the compass play in maritime exploration?

It helped navigate the open seas. Enabled accurate direction-finding far from familiar landmarks.
Which empire is known for establishing the colony of New Amsterdam?

The Dutch Empire. Founded Manhattan before British conquest renamed it New York.
Name one example of a maritime empire.

The British Empire. Controlled territories worldwide including India, America, and Australia.
Identify the empire that established trading posts in India in the 16th century.

The Portuguese Empire. First European power to establish permanent Asian trading bases.
Which empire focused on colonizing North America and the Caribbean?

The British Empire. Established thirteen colonies and Caribbean sugar islands.
Which technological advancement greatly aided maritime empires?

The caravel ship. Small, maneuverable ships ideal for ocean exploration and trade.
Which empire was known for its 'Sugar Plantations' in the Caribbean?

The British Empire. Sugar production required intensive labor and generated massive profits.
What was a major impact of Spanish colonization in the Americas?

Cultural assimilation. Imposed Spanish language, religion, and customs on natives.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Lepanto (1571)?

Defeat of the Ottoman fleet. Christian coalition halted Ottoman expansion into Mediterranean.
Identify the treaty that ended the Anglo-Dutch Wars.

Treaty of Westminster. Resolved territorial disputes between competing maritime powers.
What was a significant effect of the Dutch trading companies?

Monopolized spice trade. VOC and WIC controlled prices through exclusive trading rights.
Name a major port city in the British Empire.

Calcutta. Major administrative and commercial center in colonial India.
What was the primary commodity sought by European traders in Asia?

Spices. High-value, low-weight goods justified long ocean voyages.
Which empire took control of the Philippines in the 16th century?

The Spanish Empire. Strategic position for trade between Asia and the Americas.
Which maritime empire introduced Christianity to the Philippines?

The Spanish Empire. Missionaries accompanied conquistadors to convert indigenous peoples.
What was the primary goal of Spanish conquistadors?

To acquire wealth and land. Sought precious metals and territorial expansion for Spain.
What was a major reason for the decline of Portuguese maritime power?

Competition from other European powers. Dutch and British expansion challenged Portuguese monopolies.
Which maritime empire controlled the Spice Islands?

The Dutch Empire. Dominated Southeast Asian spice trade through strategic control.
What was the role of privateering in the establishment of maritime empires?

State-sponsored piracy. Licensed pirates attacked enemy shipping to weaken rivals.
Which empire was dominant in the Indian Ocean trade in the 17th century?

The Dutch Empire. Superior naval technology and trading companies dominated commerce.
What was the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas?

It divided new lands between Spain and Portugal. Established spheres of influence to prevent conflict between major powers.
What was the main export of the Spanish colonies in the Americas?

Silver. Massive silver mines in Potosí funded Spanish global empire.
Which empire established a colony in Brazil?

The Portuguese Empire. Established sugar plantations using enslaved African labor.
What economic activity did the French Empire focus on in Canada?

Fur trade. Established profitable relationships with indigenous trappers.
What was the significance of Vasco da Gama's voyage?

First sea route to India. Opened direct maritime trade between Europe and Asia.
Which empire lost control of its American colonies in the late 18th century?

The British Empire. American Revolution ended British control of thirteen colonies.
What was the impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade on maritime empires?

It provided labor for colonies. Enslaved Africans worked plantations that generated colonial wealth.

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