The era of the great geographical discoveries

Age of discovery lasted from the mid-15th to mid-17th century. The main part in the expeditions were made by Spanish and Portuguese explorers.

The Main causes of the great geographical discoveries – finding new ways of trade and the development of navigation.

At the time of trade between East and Europe was destroyed as a result of the extended Turkish rule. The Turks have blocked the main trade route through Syria and Asia Minor. However, at the time, was built adapted for swimming in the open ocean, reliable court that was not only new ways, but the discovery and seizure of land, located to the South of Europe.

Prince Henry at the time was considered the primary organizer of the Portuguese travel and assisted in the development of the fleet of Portugal. So in his time, was organized by the Nautical school. In the Geographical research Institute improved navigation methods and devices. The first globe in 1490 was created.

The era of the great geographical discoveries marked the opening of the India sea route. In 1497 the Portuguese king Manuel was Happy organized the expedition. This was due to too high cost of goods brought to Europe by land. Portuguese expedition, consisting of three ships, led by Vasco da Gama.

Going into the Atlantic ocean far enough, he Parallels the Needle of the Cape and turned East. After that the ships went North along the East African coast to Mozambique. In the town of MAMBASA, the Portuguese first came into contact with the Arab population. After that, the expedition of Vasco da Gama crossed the Indian ocean and reached the South Indian port of Calicut.

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The era of the great geographical discoveries marked and Spanish expeditions. After the discovery in the 15th century the New world Spain begins to show interest in the Eastern States. However, the Spanish king, assessing the situation, sees that the path to the African coast covers the Portuguese Navy, and the caravan route to the East is under the control of Arab and Turkish merchants. Christopher Columbus offers the king of Spain to build the Western route to India. Being an excellent cartographer and sharing the view of many of his contemporaries that the Earth is spherical in shape, it makes the project way West across the Atlantic ocean.

Thus, the era of geographical discoveries was marked by the discoveries of Columbus. The land that he found, was inhabited by the settlers. The Spanish colonies arose on the coast and Islands of Central America.

Amerigo Vespucci has contributed in the historical period called the “Age of discovery”. Having made several expeditions on trade matters between 1499 and 1502 years Navigator named Columbus open “Asia” a previously unknown vast land "New world”. Later, the area was named America. In turn, Amerigo Vespucci described the population and the nature of open land.

A Very significant event in the history of discovery is a trip around the world Ferdinand Magellan. Going into the service of the Spanish king, the Navigator suggested him to get into America from the South and achieve, thus, the coast of Asia.

His circumnavigation expedition began in 1519. Five ships crossed the Atlantic ocean and along the southern shores of America headed out in search of a Strait into the Pacific Ocean (“Sea”). Strait, later called Magellan, was discovered after a long search, and the serious losses.

When Magellan came to the Indonesian Islands, he concluded (as recorded in the logbook) that he returned to the Old world, beating the Ground around.