Iberian+Wave+of+Exploration


 * Iberian Wave of Exploration**

Portugal and Spain, the countries that make up the Iberian Peninsula, were the first to promote major eplorations into the New World. Motivations included religion, the need for gold, and the search for spices, luxuries, and profits. Also, the Renaissance created a new craving for knowledge, fame, and glory. The new technology allowed for more successful conquests.

Three major explorers were Prince Henry the Navigator, Bartholomew Diaz, and Vasco De Gama. __Prince Henry the Navigator__: sponsored about a third of Portugal's vayages before his death in 1460; Proved that new areas were economically profitable, causing further exploration. __Bartholomew Diaz__: The first known person to ever sail around the tip of Africa; named it the Cape of Storms, but the Pope changed it to The Cape of Good Hope in order to promote further expeditions. __Vasco De Gama__: In 1498 was the first European to reach India by sea; this opened Indian Ocean trade to Europe

Spain's accomplishments included the Reconquista, Christopher Columbus' voyage, and the Conquistadors. __Reconquista__: Ended in 1492; Ferdinand and Isabella unite Spain, taking land from all non-Christians __Christopher Columbus__: attempting to find a route to India, landed in the Carribean; took three other voyages to the New World. __Balboa__: crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to have seen or reached the Pacific from the New World. __Cortes__: In 1519, conquered the Aztec Empire. __Pizarro__: In 1532, conquered the Inca Empire.

Created by: Alexa DeAntonio