Age Of Exploration Dbq Essay

The Renaissance was the rebirth of classical Greek and Roman art, literature, and culture. New philosophies formed such as individualism, the idea that humans are capable of great things. This was accompanied by the wish to spread Christianity, and a spirit for riches. With these desires and advancements in ships, a new age of adventure was introduced. From sailing to new worlds and trading across the globe, the Age of Exploration brought riches and destruction. The impact of the Age of Exploration was overall more negative on the indigenous cultures of Africa, the indigenous Americans, and Europe. This was due to the disruptions in their population, society, land, and all aspects of life within these civilizations. However, the effect this

The result of the Age of Exploration on the native cultures of the Americans was very damaging to their society. When the Spaniards came to America they invaded the existing tribes, like Hernando Cortés, a conquistador who conquered the Aztecs and Mexico. A conquistador was a Spanish conqueror who took over the territory in the Americas during the 16th century. Spain wanted to spread Christianity, therefore they would conquer each tribe and try to convert them. However, if these tribes misbehaved, it would result in getting beaten, punished, hung, or burned alive (Document 5). Death followed each Indigenous person who didn't conform to what their capturers wanted, causing major decreases in the population. Without sufficient numbers to keep a society going and no land of their own, they crumbled. In addition to the murders, the newfound trading system brought not

New technological developments in ships helped Europe expand its territory to other continents. A letter to Christopher Columbus from the rulers of Spain revealed that he had sailed the seas to discover and conquer new land for Spain. If he succeeded in this task and spread Christianity, not only would he be rewarded, but the rest of Spain would be too (Document 1). This letter is most likely true due to the fact that it was written by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, who were funding Christopher’s exploration. The main goal of the Age of Exploration was to get more money and territory and to spread Christianity. Columbus was eventually able to achieve this. His discovery opened the door to new trade routes, food, and plants. It also marked the start of transatlantic colonization. Though, religion wasn’t just being spread to the West. It was also introduced to the East in Africa. According to Diego Cam in Document 2, the King of Congo was delighted to see the European faith. Churches were built, and the King, along with thousands of his followers, were baptized. It is important to note that the author was a Portuguese explorer, was the one trying to spread Christianity, and could have lied about the encounters. Nevertheless, the new foundation of faith in Congo gave the church more power and gave them influence in places outside of Europe. Additionally, the