The document summarizes the major European powers that led maritime exploration during the Age of Exploration: Portugal improved its navy under Prince Henry and was able to lead exploration in this era, controlling the east coast of South America. Spain followed Portugal's example to gain control of the spice trade, conquering the Aztecs and Incas in South and Central America. France and England also competed for new lands, with France controlling the North American fur trade and England establishing colonies along the eastern United States coast.

1. B Y T R O Y B O WM A N
THE AGE OF
EXPLORATION

2. EVENTS THAT LED TO THE AGE OF
EXPLORATION
• Crusades made Italy the center of trade in Europe.
• Later, the Renaissance and Reformation happened
so trading increased, new technologies were
created, and you could finally seek glory and
prosperity.
• Exploration finally spurred thanks to trading, new
technologies, and the seeking of glory.

3. PORTUGAL
• Prince Henry improved Portugal’s Navy. He brought
together mapmakers, scientists, ship builders and
sailors allowing them to lead the exploration at the
time.
• Portugal controlled the east coast of South America
(Brazil)

4. SPAIN
• Ferdinand and Isabella followed Portugal example
to gain control of the spice trade
• Spain conquered the Aztecs and Incas in South and
Central America

5. FRANCE
• France competed with England for land in Europe.
This inspired French trade companies to establish
dominance in the new world and colonize.
• France controlled the fur trade from Louisiana to
Quebec.

6. ENGLAND
• England started having some domestic stability and
pushed to catch up with other countries in the
struggle to get new land in the new world.
• England established colonies along the east coast
of the U.S

7. CITATIONS
• http://federicoandpablo.wikispaces.com/AGE+OF+EXPL
ORATION
• http://members.tripod.com/mr_sedivy/explor3.html
• http://bcr-
8history.wikispaces.com/file/view/lifeship.gif/153443697/li
feship.gif
• http://www.edurich.net/hansonj/aztecs/aztec_webpag
e/SpainvsAztec/Moctezuma3.jpg
• http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/images/Europe/fact
file/Santamaria.jpg
• http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-
RZKfkAwVE/UDsuIp2MYnI/AAAAAAAAP-
Y/W1q72eduWqg/s1600/221098_10151331090775278_135
3422342_o.jpg