THE AGE OF EXPLORATION

LEIF ERIKSSON

• First European known to discover North America.
• He converted to Christianity in Norway.
• Was born in 980 in Iceland.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

• Was born between October 31, 1450 and October 30, 1450.
• Italian explorer, navigator, and colonizer.
• Born in the northwestern part of Italy.
• Voyages led to the first lasting European contact with the Americas.
• Instead of reaching Japan, Columbus landed in the Bahamas.

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

• Was an Italian explorer.
• America was named in honor of him.
• Born March 9, 1954
• Died February 22, 1512

COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE

• Was an exchange of plants, animals, spices, food, culture, population, diseases, etc.
• Started in 1492
• The leader of the voyage was Christopher Columbus.

CONQUISTADORS

• Were explorers of the Spanish Empire.
• They sailed beyond Europe.
• They conquered land in Europe.
• Originated in Spain.

NORTHWEST PASSAGE

• Sea route through the Arctic Ocean
• Along the northern coast of North America
• First navigated by Roald Amundsen

MIDDLE PASSAGE

• Stage of the Triangular Trade.
• Millions of Africans were shipped to the "New World".
• Purchased and kidnapped Africans
• Ships departed Europe for African markets.