The Age of Contact, often referred to as the Age of Exploration or the Age of Discovery, spanned from the late 15th century to the early 17th century. It marks a period of extensive exploration by European powers, leading to the global exchange of cultures, ideas, goods, and peoples. Here are some of the main events associated with this era:
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Christopher Columbus's First Voyage (1492): Columbus, sponsored by Spain, made his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the Bahamas. This event marked the beginning of sustained European contact with the Americas.
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Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): This treaty, brokered by the Pope, divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal. It aimed to resolve disputes over newly found territories.
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Vasco da Gama's Voyage to India (1497-1499): Da Gama was the first European to reach India by sea, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. His journey established a sea route to Asia that greatly increased trade opportunities.
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Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire (1519-1521): Led by Hernán Cortés, Spanish conquistadors defeated the Aztecs in modern-day Mexico, showcasing European military superiority and opening the region to colonization.
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Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire (1532-1533): Francisco Pizarro captured and executed the Inca emperor Atahualpa, leading to the collapse of the Inca Empire and the establishment of Spanish rule in Peru.
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The Columbian Exchange (circa 1492 onwards): This refers to the exchange of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Old World and the New World following Columbus's voyages.
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Exploration by Other European Powers: Other countries, such as France, England, and the Netherlands, began their explorations and territorial claims. Figures like John Cabot (1497), Jacques Cartier (1534), and Sir Walter Raleigh (1585) played significant roles.
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The Rise of the Transatlantic Slave Trade: As European powers established colonies in the Americas, the demand for labor led to the increased capture and transportation of enslaved Africans to work in plantations and mines.
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The Protestant Reformation (1517 onwards): The religious upheaval in Europe had political and economic implications that influenced exploration, colonization, and the treatment of indigenous populations.
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The Establishment of Colonial Empires: As European nations claimed territories, they established colonies in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, leading to a significant transformation in global economics and politics.
These events collectively shaped the dynamics of international relations, trade, and cultural exchanges during the Age of Contact, with lasting impacts that continue to influence the world today.