First Global Age Readings



First Global Age Readings

1. Europe and the Age of Exploration

a. What personality traits and skills would have been helpful to a European navigator during the Age of Exploration?

b. Do you think the European countries that colonized the New World had a right to the riches of the New World? Why or why not?

c. Although Prince Henry never set sail on an exploration, he was called the Navigator. Do you think that was an appropriate name for him? Why or why not?

2. English, French, and Spanish Exploration

a. There were many reasons for the age of exploration in Europe. What do you think was the main reason?

b. An explorer is said to have a brave and adventurous spirit. Why?

c. Many of Europe’s great explorers sailed for countries other than their own. What do you think appealed to these men more than their sense of patriotism?

3. Why did Europeans Explore the Seas?

a. Documents A and B both make the point that the discovery of new lands was motivated by what?

b. What motivation for exploration is implied in Document C?

c. What does Document D suggest about how European monarchs viewed exploration?

4. The Impact of Piracy

a. According to Documents A, Drake’s exploits in Chile and Peru

b. According to Document B, what was Don Bernardino de Mendoza’s main concern regarding Drake?

c. Document D shows Queen Elizabeth I with Francis Drake. Which of the other documents does this one support?

5. Colombian Exchange

a. How should educators and historians present Christopher Columbus to future generations of Americans?

b. What foods or plants brought to America by the Columbian exchange do you think play the biggest role today in the US diet and economy?

c. Do you think Christopher Columbus should be blamed for the havoc Europeans wreaked on native populations?

6. Transforming the World: The Columbian Exchange

a. Explain the importance of one Western Hemisphere item to a person in the Eastern Hemisphere.

b. Choose an item from one of the lists. Explain how the history of the hemisphere it traveled to might be different if the Columbian Exchange had not happened?

7. Mercantilism

a. Like the mercantile policies of earlier centuries, today’s trade tariffs respond to modern needs for national economic strength. How is it in a nation’s interest to export more than it imports?

b. What role do you think mercantilism had in the colonial move toward revolution?

c. Should nations with close ties to one another-like the colonies and England-offer each other special trade privileges?

8. Trade Among Europe, Africa, and Asia

a. Which European country most likely monopolized the Indian cotton trade?

b. What impact would important goods like cotton have on European struggles for power in the Americas?

9. Navigating the World

a. Why would a portolan map be inappropriate as a resource for a geography class?

b. What limitations did the astrolabe have that the magnetic compass did not?

10. Diaz Sets the Record Straight

a. Why do you think Diaz included the opinions of “some of our soldiers”?

b. Do you agree with Diaz that the best historical accounts are written by people who participated in or witnessed the events? Explain your answer.

11. King Affonso I: Letter to King John III of Portugal

a. What does King Affonso believe has caused his vassals to become disobedient?

b. What specifically does King Affonso say he still needs from the Portuguese?

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