Intro Voyages of discovery

• Geschiedenis
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2

1.1 Voyages of discovery

Learning goal

Why did Europeans go in search of new trade routes overseas?

Spice of life

1. -Spice trade was an important part of the voyages of discovery. 
2. -Spices were precious because they played an important role in preserving food and improving its taste. 
3. -In addition, they were a status symbol

Spices


Spices from the East:

- Cloves

- Bay leaf

- Nutmeg

- Mace

- Cinnamon

- Ginger

- Cayenne pepper

= Used to flavor food

Caravans from the east

1. -Caravans from the East played a major role in the trade of spices. They brought spices from Asia to Europe via the Silk Road.
2. -Intermediate traders resell spices to each other. This makes the price go up
3. -Europeans had no direct trade with East Asia, therefore they do not benefit from it themselves 

Marco Polo

1. -Marco Polo was an Italian explorer who travelled to Asia in the 13th century. 
2. -He wrote a book about his adventures, which helped Europe learn more about Asia.
3. -In his time, many people did not believe his stories

Around the Mediterranean

1. -The Ottoman Empire was a powerful empire that emerged in the 14th century. 
2. -Great influence on the spice trade as it controlled important trade routes.
3. -Because of wars between Europe and the Ottoman Empire and high prices, Europeans now want to find their own routes for trade

From land to sea

1453: Turks/Ottomans conquer Constantinople.

- Products came from Asia to Europe.

- Spices traded through many intermediaries => Goods became increasingly expensive.

You had to pay tolls.

The silk road

=> Europeans search for new opportunities (for trade)

In search of the Indies

-European countries were looking for a new route to India to boost the spice trade. 

-New technologies: The Carrack (ship in Dutch: kraak), astrolabe and compass enabled long sea voyages