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History of the US

Scholars, as well as historians, refer to the 15th and the 16th centuries as an expansion and exploration age. The period was marked with state-sponsored voyages from different regions headed to America. Transoceanic voyages featured Columbus, da Gama, Magellan, and many other mariners from Europe. It is indeed justifiable that this age was an age of expansion, as Europe’s exploration led to profound historical changes, with ramifications for Africans, Eurasia people, and particularly for the Americans, whose longstanding isolation turned to be a blessing. To date, this expansion is the subject of discussion and research by historians, and this essay seeks to highlight the major motives and experiences of the voyagers who set foot in America.

One major reason behind the voyages that took place during the age of exploration was to identify the main sea routes. European adventurers wanted to identify main sea routes to East Asia, which they referred to as the Indies. Sea routes stood as a fascination, and sailors went great lengths to find them. These sea routes would help the Europeans to identify new civilizations as wells as lands that they would conquer. Mariners, warriors, and merchants also sought new routes that would enhance their trade. Columbus discovered the Americas while he was attempting to forge his way to India and its associated riches. The Norwegian warriors found themselves in North America around 1000 years back as they pursued their ambitions.

Other motives also marked the age of exploration. Many people wanted to make use of the golden opportunity to visit new places and learn. Advances in education and technology were on the increase in the middle of the period, which meant a time of novel learning. Several advances made traveling easier, and explorers ventured into new lands. One of the major developments was in cartography or the science and art of developing maps. A translation of a particular book known as the Guide to Geography to Latin from Greek by a scholar from Italy assisted in cartography greatly. The result of these advances was a change in the way the Europeans perceived the world. In the 1500s, maps showed that the earth was like a sphere. A German cartographer developed the first map that clearly showed South and North America demarcated from Asia.

The Age of Exploration gave rise to both benefits as well as challenges. It was because of this exploration that new trade and communication routes for business came into the scene. The market for goods such as exotic fruits, tea, and new technologies increased tremendously. As Spain gained power towards the end of the age of exploration, it had gained power and had great influence in Europe. More than anything, the discovery of America led to increased standards of living and development of capitalism. The age of exploration made the business people gain a middle class status. Despite the many advantages, the discovery of America also led to several negative impacts, especially to the Natives. The Europeans killed and took over the land that initially belonged to Native Americans in the process of their settling in a new land. The period also marked the initiation of slavery, which left many Africans in pains and suffering. Finally, explorations meant that Europeans and Africans encountered new diseases, particularly tropical diseases.