European exploration and overseas expansion - Essay Example

European exploration and overseas expansion The period from 1400 to 1800 was significant to the Europeans in terms of exploration and expansion. In this period, there was a sudden rise of interest in overseas exploration. Several factors necessitated this sudden change. They include advances in technology, religious interest, and economic reasons. This paper will try to identify and discuss the factors responsible for the European exploration and overseas expansion between 1400 and 1800. The paper will also address the immediate and long-term effects on Europe, Africa, and America.

Several factors led to European exploration and overseas expansion in this period. Firstly, the Europeans had desire for wealth and power. At the onset of exploration, many of these countries were weak economically, due to wars. Those in authority felt there were vast opportunities for wealth generation in the New World (Streich 1). This prompted the leaders to fund exploration in search of gold, spices, and other trade goods to sustain their ailing economy (Streich 1). This led to scramble for colonies, and they sent the wealth back to their countries.

Secondly, there was religious interest. European had desire to spread Christianity to people throughout the world to counter the influence of Muslims. They also wanted to wipe the Muslims out of their territories. Thirdly, there was an improvement in the technology. The Europeans developed sailing ships with better navigation equipments (Streich 1). This made them able to move to various parts of the world. There was also development of more accurate maps. The Europeans expansion and exploration had a profound effect to those involved.

The effects were immediate and long term. In the short term, the Portuguese built trading sites in West Africa, and some of them made Africa their home (McCannon 250-256). Secondly, there was a discovery of the new sea routes. In the long term, the Europeans competed to establish colonies. Secondly, there was also the expansion of wealth and power. Thirdly, there was the rise of the Transatlantic Trade that involved Europe, Africa, and America (McCannon 253). Additionally, slave trade became rampant between these countries.

In conclusion, the European exploration and expansion was a significant thing that happened from 1400 to 1800. However, Europeans were the main beneficially. On the other hand, both Africa and America underwent a period of exploitation.Works CitedMcCannon, John. “How to Prepare for the AP World History.” New York: Barron's Educational Series, 2006. PrintStreich, Michael. “Causes of European Exploration and Expansion.” Suite101.com. Web 19 February 2013. < http://suite101.com/article/causes-of-european-exploration-and-colonization-a258443>