In the 15th century, the population of the Europe grew tremendously. This gave a chance for a class of merchants to emerge; they bought expensive jewels and silk, and would spice their dried meat with cinnamon or pepper (English Online). Since the need for these goods grew, they had to be brought in through routes controlled by the Turkish Empire; this was tough for the European merchants (English Online). They had to find alternative routes through countries like Spain and Portugal, through the assistance of new ships and instruments, and thus the Age of European Exploration was born.
The Spanish exploration led to the founding of new colonies and bringing of settlers to the new world. It also resulted in new products like wheat, sheep, horses and cattle. Plants unknown to the Europeans were also grown; these included potatoes and corn (English Online). The Spanish exploration led to the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Vasco de Balboa (English Online). It also resulted in the conquering of the Incas by Francisco Pizzaro where they amassed great riches and large amounts of gold and silver (English Online)
The French and English explorers were convinced that there could be a northwestern route to India, and hence, they concentrated on the northern part of the continent, which led to setting up of colonies that resulted in towns like Detroit and Montreal (English Online). They also made settlements in honour of the French King. This led to settlements like New Orleans and St. Louis. It also led to the first permanent settlement in North America at Jamestown (English Online). Hudson Bay was also discovered, which was initially thought to be the Pacific Ocean.
The Italian exploration, by Amerigo Vespucci among others, led to the naming of the new land America, with the help of a German mapmaker. He was also the first to explore South America. On the other hand, the Portuguese exploration, led to the founding of the Cape of Good Hope (English Online). This came about in 1487 when the Portuguese decided to go to India through Africa. The cape was named by an explorer named Bartholomeu Dias. He came to the cape when proving the Portuguese’s idea of finding a sea route to India through Africa. He went as far as the East coast but was forced to return by a storm, where he saw a piece of land. That was how the new cape was found. Years later, Vasco Da Gama proved himself successful by accessing India through the Cape and through the Indian Ocean (English Online). He reached the West Coast and took home gold and spices to prove his success. Another effect of exploration was the birth of Strait of Magellan, which was named after Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese sailor, who died along the way (English Online). His voyage finally crossed the Indian Ocean to Spain despite his death.
The native Indians were discovered when Christopher Columbus, one of the greatest explorers. He set out to explore a mass of land the Europeans knew nothing about. He made four voyages to the coasts of Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. He died after his fourth voyage in 1506 (English Online).
In conclusion, different explorations by various personalities have had an effect on the world we live in today in one way or another. These explorations are just but a few of many more that occurred in the 15th century and have a significant influence on today’s world. New places were discovered, and new trade routes were established. The age of exploration also led to the spread of plants and animals to various continents.
Work Cited
English Online. “Age of Exploration.” English Online. Web. 2 Feb 2016.
