Mercantilism and Its Impact on Exploration

This section delves into mercantilism, a key economic doctrine that shaped European colonial policies and practices. Understanding mercantilism is essential for grasping the mercantilism impact on European colonies.

Key mercantilist policies:

1. Import restrictions to protect domestic industries
2. Export subsidies to boost competitiveness abroad
3. Establishment of colonies to exploit resources and labor
4. Trade regulations through tariffs and restrictions
5. Accumulation of precious metals as a measure of national wealth

Highlight: Mercantilism viewed trade as a zero-sum game, with nations competing to accumulate wealth at the expense of rivals. This mindset fueled aggressive colonial expansion and exploitation.

Example: Under mercantilism, colonies were expected to provide raw materials to the mother country and serve as captive markets for manufactured goods, as illustrated in the accompanying political cartoon.

Introduction to European Exploration (1450-1750)

This section provides an overview of the dramatic shift in European exploration and global engagement that occurred from 1450-1750. Prior to the 15th century, most European societies had limited contact beyond Europe itself. However, the Renaissance ushered in new ideas and technologies that enabled long-distance ocean voyages.

Key points:

• The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE marked the beginning of a period of limited European global engagement
• The Renaissance in the 15th century brought major advances in knowledge and technology
• By the early 19th century, Europeans had explored or established control over territories on every continent

Highlight: The Renaissance was a pivotal period that enabled European maritime exploration through advances in shipbuilding, navigation, and scientific knowledge.

Definition: The Renaissance was a period of cultural, artistic, political and economic revival following the Middle Ages. It began in Italy in the 14th century and later spread to the rest of Europe.

Major European Territories and Trade Routes in 1750

This section presents a map showing the global extent of European colonial territories and trade routes by 1750. The map illustrates how state-sponsored exploration effects 15th century had transformed the geopolitical landscape.

Key features of the map:

• Major European colonial powers shown: Spain, Portugal, England, France, Netherlands
• Extensive territories in the Americas controlled by European powers
• Trade routes connecting Europe to colonies and trading posts in Africa, Asia and the Americas
• Vast areas of Africa, Asia and the Pacific still largely unexplored by Europeans

Example: The map shows how Spain and Portugal dominated much of South and Central America, while England, France and the Netherlands had established footholds in North America.

Spain's Exploration and Contributions

This section begins to discuss Spain's role in the Age of Exploration, which was particularly significant in the Americas. However, the transcript is cut off, so a full summary of Spain's contributions cannot be provided without additional information.

Highlight: Spain's exploration efforts, particularly the voyages of Christopher Columbus, would lead to the establishment of a vast colonial empire in the Americas, dramatically altering the course of global history.