WHI.13c - European Exploration & Interaction

The student will apply social science skills to understand the major civilizations of the Western Hemisphere, including the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan, by

c) evaluating and explaining the European interactions with these societies, with emphasis on trading and economic interdependence.

The expanding economies of European states stimulated trade and a desire for exploration.

Factors contributing to the European exploration

 Demand for gold, spices, and natural resources in Europe

 Support for diffusion of Christianity

 Political and economic competition between European empires

 European and Islamic origins and development of navigational tools

Establishment of overseas empires and decimation of indigenous populations

 Spain—Christopher Columbus

 England—John Cabot