The Age of Exploration

  • The two countries that began the Age of Exploration are Portugal and Spain.

  • Towards the end of the 15th century, great voyages were undertaken by the Spanish and Portuguese.

  • European powers were seeking to expand their empires:

    • They wanted to gain wealth, power, and religious converts.
  • 1492: Christopher Columbus's voyages marked the beginning of the Age of Exploration.

  • Pre-Columbian: The period before Christopher Columbus's voyages.

  • Conquistador: A Spanish soldier who participated in the conquest of the Americas.