Maritime Empires Maintained and Developed - AP World History: Modern

The Spanish Empire. The destruction of the Armada marked the beginning of Spanish decline.

It divided Asian territories between Spain and Portugal. This 1529 treaty extended the Tordesillas line into the Pacific Ocean.

Migration and resettlement. Colonial expansion led to massive population movements and demographic changes.

The Portuguese Empire. Portugal built fortified trading posts along the African coast for commerce.

Cultural exchange and syncretism. Contact between different cultures led to new blended traditions and practices.

The caravel ship. This ship design was fast, maneuverable, and ideal for ocean exploration.

Transfer of goods and diseases between continents. This exchange transformed global ecosystems, populations, and economies.

The French Empire. French colonists traded extensively with Native Americans for valuable furs.

To control and exploit native labor. This system granted Spanish colonists control over indigenous labor and tribute.

Mercantilism. This policy aimed to maximize exports and accumulate wealth through trade.

Portugal. Portugal established this trading post to access Chinese markets and goods.

Strong naval forces. Naval superiority was essential to protect trade routes and colonial territories.

The Spanish Empire. Manila became the key hub for Spanish Pacific trade with Asia.

Spreading Christianity. Religious conversion was often used to justify and facilitate colonial expansion.

The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. This victory established England as the dominant naval power in Europe.

To monopolize trade in Asia. This company sought to control lucrative trade with India and Southeast Asia.

Portugal. Portuguese navigators mapped the African coast seeking routes to Asia.

Colonial wars and conflicts. Rivalry over trade routes and colonies led to numerous naval conflicts.

Overextension and resource depletion. Empires often grew too large to effectively govern and defend all territories.

The Spanish Empire. The Spanish Armada represented Spain's attempt to maintain naval supremacy.

To transport goods and silver. These large ships carried precious metals from the Americas to Spain.

The Dutch Empire. The Dutch founded this colony in 1624, later renamed New York by the English.

Displacement and cultural assimilation. European colonization often resulted in loss of indigenous lands and traditions.

Advanced naval technology. Superior ships, weapons, and navigation tools gave empires competitive advantages.

Spices. These valuable seasonings motivated European exploration and empire building.

The Portuguese Empire. Portugal established a network of trading posts from Africa to Asia.

Increased cultural and commercial exchanges. Maritime empires connected distant regions and created global trade networks.

The Treaty of Tordesillas. This 1494 agreement divided the New World between these two maritime powers.

Seville. Seville controlled Spanish colonial trade through the Casa de Contratación.