Age of Explorations and Isolation, 1400–1800
An
Connect History and Geography
The 15th and 16th centuries were a time of exploration and discovery for European nations. Taking advantage of new maritime knowledge and inventions, European powers undertook sea expeditions to expand their trade and influence. The map at the right shows some voyages of exploration of the 1400s. Use the map to help you answer the questions below. 1. What European power first sent an explorer to India? 2. How did the voyages of Dias and da Gama compare? 3. What Chinese explorer sailed as far as Africa?
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Westerners were not the only ones to sail beyond their borders during the 1400s. In 1405, the Chinese navigator, Zheng He, shown here, began exploring India, Persia, Arabia, and Africa for China.
Japan was ruled by the samurai warrior class from the 12th century until 1868. They tried to keep Japan closed to the Europeans. 1405 Zheng He takes first voyage. 1419 Prince Henry founds navigation school. 1494 Spain and Portugal sign Treaty of Tordesillas.
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Early Explorations, 1400s
0° 30°E 60°E 90°E 120°E 150°E
Arctic Circle
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ENGLAND London
NETHERLANDS Amsterdam
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Paris FRANCE
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Venice Beijing
Madrid PORTUGAL Lisbon SPAIN Seville Ceuta Madeira
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