When did the Age of Exploration start and end? This period, also known as the Age of Discovery, marked a significant era in human history, characterized by the exploration of unknown lands and seas. It began in the 15th century and lasted until the 18th century, shaping the course of global history and the modern world we live in today.
The Age of Exploration was primarily driven by a combination of factors, including the desire for wealth, the spread of Christianity, and the need for new trade routes. European powers, such as Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands, were at the forefront of this era, embarking on voyages of discovery and establishing colonies in various parts of the world.
When did the Age of Exploration start?
The Age of Exploration officially began in the 15th century, with the first significant event being the voyage of Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator. In 1415, Henry the Navigator was appointed as the Admiral of the Sea, and he embarked on a mission to find a sea route to Asia. His efforts laid the foundation for the Portuguese exploration of Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Another pivotal moment in the beginning of the Age of Exploration was the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492. Although Columbus was searching for a direct route to Asia, he ended up discovering the Americas, opening up a new world for European exploration and colonization.
When did the Age of Exploration end?
The Age of Exploration gradually came to an end in the 18th century, with the decline of European colonial powers and the rise of new political and economic systems. The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) and the Industrial Revolution (late 18th to early 19th century) played significant roles in bringing this era to a close.
One of the final acts of the Age of Exploration was the British defeat of the French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, which marked the end of French colonial ambitions. Additionally, the Congress of Vienna in 1815 re-established the balance of power in Europe, leading to a more stable political environment that discouraged further exploration and colonization.
In conclusion, the Age of Exploration started in the 15th century and ended in the 18th century. This period of discovery and expansion profoundly impacted the world, shaping the modern geopolitical landscape and laying the groundwork for the globalized world we live in today.
