1. A series of events and conditions existed in the Old World at the dawn of the fifteenth century that made New World exploration not only possible but also desirable. Identify these events and conditions, and explain how much each helped set the stage for exploration. Note: Be sure to include specific examples that support your thesis and conclusions. Your response to each essay must be at least 500 words in length. Solution a. Isabella avoided an arranged marriage by King Henry, her step brother, that could limit her power. She then married King Ferdinand, ruler of land in Northern Spain, in 1469. b. Isabella became queen after King Henry, a ruler who had not made many enemies among the nobility and clergy, died in 1474. c. Isabella and Ferdinand start a new campaign called the Reconquest to eliminate Muslim strong holds and to purify Christianity in the area. d. During this, Christopher Columbus was part of their royal cavalcade, a group of adviser, servants and hanger-ons. e. Columbus’ plan of sailing west to Asia had already been rejected by Portugal. He gave his idea in 1486 to the Queen while on their religious campaign. Queen Isabella finally agreed in April 1942, hoping to expand her wealth and monarchy. f. Columbus with 3 ships and sailed west in August 1942. Two months later the landed on an island in the Caribbean. Seeking a shorter way to get to the rich Asia, Columbus accidently discovered a new land that was even richer in resources.

1. 1. A series of events and conditions existed in the Old World at the dawn of the fifteenth century
that made New World exploration not only possible but also desirable. Identify these events and
conditions, and explain how much each helped set the stage for exploration.
Note: Be sure to include specific examples that support your thesis and conclusions. Your
response to each essay must be at least 500 words in length.
Solution
a. Isabella avoided an arranged marriage by King Henry, her step brother, that could limit her
power. She then married King Ferdinand, ruler of land in Northern Spain, in 1469.
b. Isabella became queen after King Henry, a ruler who had not made many enemies among the
nobility and clergy, died in 1474.
c. Isabella and Ferdinand start a new campaign called the Reconquest to eliminate Muslim strong
holds and to purify Christianity in the area.
d. During this, Christopher Columbus was part of their royal cavalcade, a group of adviser,
servants and hanger-ons.
e. Columbus’ plan of sailing west to Asia had already been rejected by Portugal. He gave his
idea in 1486 to the Queen while on their religious campaign. Queen Isabella finally agreed in
April 1942, hoping to expand her wealth and monarchy.
f. Columbus with 3 ships and sailed west in August 1942. Two months later the landed on an
island in the Caribbean. Seeking a shorter way to get to the rich Asia, Columbus accidently
discovered a new land that was even richer in resources