One factor that accelerated expansion was political centralization in the major European countries – Spain, France, and England. In 15th Century Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella united the various Spanish kingdoms under their rule. With its monarchy stronger than ever, Spain was ready to venture out into foreign territory. However, Portugal’s location on the southwestern edge of the European continent enabled it to start exploration before Spain and the other countries. Although the favorable location helped Portugal i

n expansion, this “Age of Discovery” was also stimulated by various technological developments. Prince Henry the Navigator’s school for the study of geography and navigation also facilitated expansion on the part of Portugal. By 1350, the cannon had been fully developed in Western Europe. This giant, stone-firing gun was not very helpful in land conquests but held much value when mounted on ships. The Portuguese developed the caravel in the 15th Century, which held more cargo and was highly maneuverable. It used wind power rather than manpower used by the older galley ships. Another navigational development, the magnetic compass, allowed sailors to determine their direction and position at sea. The astrolabe, an instrument developed my Muslims and used to determine the altitude of the sun and other celestial bodies, allowed sailors to plot their latitude. Improved maps and sea charts, which gave information about distance, sea depths, and general geography, also aided in the exploration of the world outside Europe.

Although there were various motives for exploration, the biggest one was definitely desire for material profit. Bartholomew Diaz, Vasco Da Gama, and Hernando Cortes are all quoted as saying they sought gold and

Some topics in this essay:
Western Europe, Africa Americas, Ferdinand Isabella, Expansion” European, History Indies, Henry Navigator, India Company, Ogier Gheselin, Mediterranean Europeans, Marco Polo, “age discovery”, 15th century, spice trade, european continent, prince henry, gold silver, desire wealth, european countries, allowed sailors, facilitated expansion,