UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES

PANJAB UNIVERSITY
CHANDIGARH

Topic : The Age of Exploration

A project report to be submitted on the above topic in the subject of History
for the fulfilment of requirement of the syllabus of B.A. LLB(Hons.) 2 nd
Semester

Submitted To : Submitted By :
Dr. Sasha Name – Abhinav Jaspal,
Section – C, B.A. LLB,
2nd Semester
 The Age of Exploration

Introduction –
The Age of Exploration, also known as the Age of Discovery, was a period of time that
spanned from the latter half of the fifteenth century to the sixteenth century. This period
was marked by a series of expeditions, voyages, and discoveries that resulted in the
expansion of European influence and colonization throughout the world. It was a time of
great curiosity, innovation, and risk-taking, as European explorers ventured into uncharted
territories in search of new lands, trade routes, and treasures.
One of the most famous explorers of this time period was Christopher Columbus. Born in
Genoa in 1451, Columbus became convinced that he could reach the East Indies by sailing
west across the Atlantic Ocean. He secured the patronage of the Spanish monarchs, Isabella
I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, and set out on his first voyage in 1492. Columbus's
voyage ultimately led to the discovery of the New World, which he mistakenly believed was
the East Indies. His voyages sparked a new era of exploration and colonization, as Europeans
rushed to stake their claim on the new lands.
Other notable explorers of the Age of Exploration include Sir Francis Drake, Vasco da Gama,
Bartolomeu Dias, and Ferdinand Magellan. Drake, an English explorer, became the first
Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, completing his journey in 1580. His voyage also
included the discovery of the San Francisco Bay, which he claimed for Queen Elizabeth.
Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, is best known for his voyage to India in 1497-1498,
which established a direct sea route from Europe to Asia. Bartolomeu Dias, also a
Portuguese explorer, is credited with discovering the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip
of Africa, which opened up a new sea route to India. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese
explorer who sailed for Spain, is best known for his determination to find a route through
the Americas to the east. His journey ultimately led to the discovery of the Strait of
Magellan, which provides a passage through South America.
The Age of Exploration had a significant impact on the world. It led to the establishment of
European colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and the introduction of European
culture, language, and religion to these regions. It also sparked a new era of global trade, as
Europeans sought new markets and resources from around the world. However, it also had
negative consequences, such as the displacement and exploitation of native populations, the
spread of disease, and the destruction of natural resources.
the Age of Exploration was a significant period in human history that marked a major turning
point in the global expansion of European influence and colonization. It was a time of great
exploration and discovery, as European explorers ventured into uncharted territories in
search of new lands, trade routes, and treasures. European overseas exploration led to the
rise of international trade and the European colonial empires, with the contact between the
Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and the New World (the Americas), as well as Australia,
producing the Columbian exchange, a wide transfer of plants, animals, food, human
populations (including slaves), communicable diseases, and culture between the Eastern and
Western Hemispheres. The Age of Discovery and later European exploration allowed the
mapping of the world, resulting in a new worldview and distant civilizations coming into
contact. At the same time, new diseases were propagated, decimating populations not
previously in contact with the Old World, particularly concerning Native Americans. The era
saw widespread enslavement, exploitation and military conquest of native populations
concurrent with the growing economic influence and spread of European culture and
technology.
While it had a lasting impact on the world, it also had negative consequences that continue
to be felt today. The legacy of the Age of Exploration serves as a reminder of the complex
and often conflicting forces that have shaped human history.
Beginning of The Age of Discovery –
The Age of Discovery or the Age of Exploration, part of the early modern period and largely
overlapping with the Age of Sail, was a period from approximately the 15th century to the
17th century in European history, during which seafaring Europeans explored, colonized, and
conquered regions across the globe.
The extensive overseas exploration, with the Portuguese and Spanish at the forefront, later
joined by the Dutch, English, and French, emerged as a powerful factor in European culture,
most notably the European colonization of the Americas. It also marks an increased
adoption of colonialism as a government policy in several European states. As such, it is
sometimes synonymous with the first wave of European colonization.
European exploration outside the Mediterranean started with the maritime expeditions of
Portugal to the Canary Islands in 1336,[1] and later with the Portuguese discoveries of the
Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and Azores, the coast of West Africa in 1434, and the
establishment of the sea route to India in 1498 by Vasco da Gama, which initiated the
Portuguese maritime and trade presence in Kerala and the Indian Ocean.[2][3]
A main event in the Age of Discovery took place when Spain made the transatlantic voyages
of Christopher Columbus between 1492 and 1504, which saw the beginning of the
colonization of the Americas. Years later, the Spanish Magellan expedition made the first
circumnavigation of the globe between 1519 and 1522, which was regarded as a major
achievement in seamanship, and had a significant impact on the European understanding of
the world. These discoveries led to numerous naval expeditions across the Atlantic, Indian,
and Pacific Oceans, and land expeditions in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australia that
continued into the late 19th century, followed by the exploration of the polar regions in the
20th century.
What Caused the Expeditions to Start ?
It began in the early 15th century and continued until the end of the 17th century, and
involved European explorers using their navigational skills to travel the world. In general,
the Age of Exploration occurred for several different reasons, particularly in the countries of
Portugal, Spain, France and England.
1. First, European countries were seeking new trade routes to distant trading partners
in the Far East, including: China, India and Japan. European countries were interested
in speeding up trade by finding a quicker sea route.

2. A second reason for the begin of the Age of Exploration was the rise of absolute
monarchies in Europe. The powerful monarchs of Europe had centralized the
authority and wealth of each country and used their vast wealth to fund the
expeditions of many explorers

3. Third, When the Ottoman Empire took control of Constantinople in 1453, it blocked
European access to the area, severely limiting trade. In addition, it also blocked
access to North Africa and the Red Sea, two very important trade routes to the Far
East.

4. The final reason for why the Age of Exploration began is because Europeans of the
time were interested in foreign cultures and goods.
In general, the Renaissance in Europe caused an expansion of new ideas and new
understandings of the world. Europeans were interested in learning about these new ideas
and expanding on their worldviews.
Earliest Expedition by Henry, The Navigator, 1415 –
The Age of Exploration was a pivotal period in human history, marked by a series of
expeditions and voyages that led to the discovery of new lands, peoples, and cultures. While
several European nations were involved in this era of exploration, Portugal is considered to
have played a crucial role in starting it. This is largely attributed to the expeditions carried
out under the guidance of Prince Henry the Navigator.
Prince Henry, born in 1394, was a member of the Portuguese royal family and a passionate
supporter of maritime exploration. Although he never directly carried out any voyages of his
own, he was instrumental in organizing and financing expeditions along the coast of West
Africa. Prince Henry's expeditions were aimed at expanding Portugal's influence, opening up
new trade routes, and spreading Christianity.
Under Prince Henry's patronage, Portuguese explorers made several significant discoveries.
In 1434, Gil Eanes became the first European to sail past Cape Bojador, a notoriously
dangerous headland on the coast of West Africa. This opened up a new route for Portuguese
explorers to follow, and they continued to push further south along the coast of Africa. In
1488, Bartholomeu Dias became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa,
which he named the Cape of Good Hope.
One of Prince Henry's key contributions to the Age of Exploration was his emphasis on
recording and documenting the details of the expeditions. He established a school for
navigation, where Portuguese sailors were trained in the latest techniques and technologies.
He also encouraged the use of the astrolabe, a device used to determine latitude, and the
quadrant, a tool used to measure the height of the sun or stars. Prince Henry also
established a cartographic workshop, where maps and charts of the newly discovered
territories were produced.
The expeditions led by Prince Henry and his followers laid the foundation for Portugal's rise
as a major global power. The discoveries made by Portuguese explorers opened up new
trade routes and provided access to valuable resources, such as gold, ivory, and slaves.
Portugal established a number of trading posts and colonies along the coast of Africa, as well
as in Brazil, India, and other parts of Asia. This gave Portugal a significant economic
advantage and paved the way for its dominance in global trade and commerce.
Portugal's contributions to the Age of Exploration cannot be overstated. Under the guidance
of Prince Henry, the Navigator, Portuguese explorers pushed the boundaries of what was
known about the world and made several important discoveries. Prince Henry's emphasis on
navigation, mapping, and record-keeping helped to revolutionize the way that expeditions
were carried out and provided a solid foundation for Portugal's rise as a global power. The
legacy of Prince Henry and the Portuguese explorers continues to be felt today, as their
discoveries and innovations have shaped the world in countless ways.
Opening up the Americas, 1492 –
Christopher Columbus, an Italian sailor working for the Spanish monarchy, played a key role
in this period of exploration by embarking on a journey to find new trade routes to the Far
East. However, his journey would lead him to discover the Americas and change the course
of history.
In 1492, Columbus set out on his first voyage with three ships, the Niña, Pinta, and Santa
Maria. His goal was to reach India by sailing westward, but instead, he stumbled upon the
island of San Salvador in what is now the Bahamas. This discovery marked the beginning of
the European colonization of the Americas.
Over the next few years, Columbus would make three more voyages to the Caribbean,
exploring parts of Cuba and the Central American coast. He established a settlement on
Hispaniola, which would later become the site of the first permanent European colony in the
New World.
While Columbus is often celebrated for his role in the Age of Exploration, his legacy is also
deeply controversial. His arrival in the Americas led to the displacement and mistreatment
of the indigenous populations, and his actions have been criticized for their brutality and
exploitation.
Despite these complexities, Columbus's expeditions to the Americas were a pivotal moment
in world history. His discovery of the New World opened up new trade routes and territories
for European nations, leading to the colonization and exploitation of the Americas. Today,
Columbus's voyages are celebrated and debated as a turning point in world history, with
their impact still felt centuries later.

Other Expeditions that followed –

Vasco Da Gama, 1497
Portugal sent out Vasco da Gama who found a trade route around the southern tip of Africa
and to India. They also explored much of the Far East and were the first Europeans to
establish a trading colony in China at Macau. His initial voyage to India by way of Cape of
Good Hope[4] (1497–1499) was the first to link Europe and Asia by an ocean route,
connecting the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. This is widely considered a milestone in world
history, as it marked the beginning of a sea-based phase of global multiculturalism.
Ferdinand Magellan, 1519
Other important voyages of exploration during this era included Ferdinand Magellan's
attempted circumnavigation of the globe, the search for a trade route to Asia through the
Northwest Passage, and Captain James Cook's voyages that allowed him to map various
areas and travel as far as Alaska.
Contribution to Science –
The Age of Exploration, which began in the 15th century, was a period of great
advancements in geography, navigation, and mapping. This era was marked by the
explorations of Spanish and Portuguese voyagers, who sailed the oceans to discover new
lands and trade routes. These explorations not only led to the discovery of new lands but
also introduced Europeans to a new world of flora and fauna.
During this period, explorers travelled to different regions around the globe, learning about
areas such as Africa and the Americas and bringing that knowledge back to Europe. The
explorations of this era led to advancements in geography, as explorers were able to map
previously unknown areas. Methods of navigation and mapping improved as a result of
these travels, and the Spanish and Portuguese explorers who journeyed into the unknown
created the world's first nautical maps, delineating not just the geography of the lands they
found but also the seaward routes and ocean currents that led them there.
The Age of Exploration also introduced a whole new world of flora and fauna to Europeans.
For instance, corn, which is now a staple of much of the world's diet, was unknown to
Westerners until the time of the Spanish conquest. Sweet potatoes and peanuts were also
introduced to Europeans during this era. These explorations served as a stepping stone for
geographic knowledge, and the discoveries made during this period played a significant role
in shaping the world we know today.
One of the most notable voyagers of the Age of Exploration was Christopher Columbus, an
Italian working for the Spanish monarchy. Columbus made his first journey in 1492, with the
goal of finding new trade routes to the Far East. Instead of reaching India, Columbus found
the island of San Salvador in what is known today as the Bahamas. He also explored the
island of Hispaniola, home of modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Columbus
would lead three more voyages to the Caribbean, exploring parts of Cuba and the Central
American coast.
Columbus' voyages were significant not only because they led to the discovery of the New
World but also because of the knowledge he brought back with him. His voyages led to new
ideas about the shape of the earth, which helped to advance geography and cartography.
Columbus' explorations also had a profound impact on the world's economy, as the
discovery of new lands and trade routes opened up new markets and opportunities for
trade.
The Age of Exploration was a period of great scientific advancement, as explorers travelled
the globe, mapped previously unknown territories, and introduced Europeans to new worlds
of flora and fauna. The voyages of Christopher Columbus and other explorers led to
significant advancements in navigation, cartography, and geography. The discoveries made
during this period changed the world we live in today, and the legacy of these voyages
continues to shape our understanding of the world.
Conclusion : The Legacy of this Era
The Age of Discovery, which spanned from the latter half of the 15th century through the
16th century, brought about a period of colonization that had long-term effects on the
world. While the initial purpose of exploration was to find new trade routes and resources,
the colonization that followed had far-reaching consequences that still persist today. One of
the most significant consequences is the uneven distribution of wealth and power that
persists between former colonies and their colonizers.
Colonization often involved the exploitation of resources, labor, and land, and this
exploitation laid the foundation for the current global economic and political landscape. For
instance, during colonization, resources such as gold, silver, and other minerals were
extracted from colonies and transported to the colonizers' countries, where they were used
to fuel industrialization and the growth of capitalist economies. Colonization also involved
the forced relocation of people from their land and homes, which led to the loss of
traditional knowledge, practices, and cultures, and in many cases, the displacement of
indigenous populations.
The effects of colonization are still apparent today, with many former colonies still struggling
with poverty, underdevelopment, and political instability. The colonizers, on the other hand,
continue to hold a majority of the world's wealth and receive a majority of its annual
income. This has led to a deepening of the global economic divide, with the First World
countries, which were the former colonizers, becoming the wealthiest nations, while the
former colonies continue to lag behind.
Moreover, colonization had a profound impact on cultural and social structures that still
persist today. The imposition of European cultures, religions, and languages in colonized
countries led to the suppression and loss of indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions.
This, in turn, led to a loss of identity, self-worth, and self-determination, as well as the
emergence of cultural conflicts that persist today.
In conclusion, the Age of Discovery, which brought about colonization, had far-reaching
consequences that persist today. The uneven distribution of wealth and power between the
former colonizers and the colonized countries, the loss of traditional knowledge and
cultures, and the imposition of European cultural and social structures are some of the
lasting effects that continue to shape the world we live in today. It is essential to
acknowledge and understand these long-term effects and work towards addressing them in
a way that promotes equality, justice, and respect for all cultures and people.
 Timeline of this Era

1418: Prince Henry the Navigator establishes a navigation school in Portugal to train sailors
and explore the West African coast.
1492: Christopher Columbus sets sail on his first expedition with the goal of finding a new
trade route to Asia, but instead lands in the Caribbean.
1498: Vasco da Gama becomes the first European to reach India by sea, establishing a
profitable trade route for Portugal.
1519-1522: Ferdinand Magellan's expedition circumnavigates the globe, proving that the
world is round and opening up new trade routes.
1602: The Dutch East India Company is established, becoming the first multinational
corporation in the world and leading to the colonization of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and other
parts of Southeast Asia.
1607: Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, is founded.
1619: The first enslaved Africans are brought to Virginia, marking the beginning of the
transatlantic slave trade.
1642-1643: Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator, becomes the first European to discover
Tasmania and New Zealand.
1682-1683: Robert Cavelier de La Salle explores the Mississippi River, claiming the entire
Mississippi basin for France and opening up new trade routes in North America.