Age of Exploration

Essential Questions

How did the Age of Exploration change the way Europeans viewed the world? 

What were the motives for exploration?

What impact did the Age of Exploration have on civilizations in the America's? 

Learning Intentions

7.H.1. Historians and archaeologists describe historical events and issues from the perspectives of people living at the time to avoid evaluating the past in terms of today’s norms and values. 

7.H.8. Empires in Africa and Asia grew as commercial and cultural centers along trade routes. 

7.H.9. The advent of the trans-Saharan slave trade had profound effects on both West and Central Africa and the receiving societies. 

7.H.10. European economic and cultural influence dramatically increased through explorations, conquests and colonization. 

7.H.11. The Columbian exchange (i.e., the exchange of fauna, flora and pathogens) among previously unconnected parts of the world reshaped societies in ways still evident today. 

7.GEO.12. Maps and other geographic representations can be used to trace the development of human settlement over time. 

7.GEO.15. Improvements in transportation, communication and technology have facilitated cultural diffusion among peoples around the world.