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Write an account of one of the following topics: (i) Achievements of the Portuguese voyages of exploration - Junior Cycle History - Question C - 2010
Question C
Write an account of one of the following topics: (i) Achievements of the Portuguese voyages of exploration. (ii) The conflict between European powers as a result o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write an account of one of the following topics: (i) Achievements of the Portuguese voyages of exploration - Junior Cycle History - Question C - 2010
Step 1
Achievements of the Portuguese voyages of exploration.
Answer
The Portuguese voyages of exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries were characterized by several key achievements:
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Maritime Innovations: The development of the caravel, a ship that was capable of sailing against the wind, aided Portuguese navigators in exploring the African coast and beyond.
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Discovery of Sea Routes: Explorers like Vasco da Gama successfully established a sea route to India around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly boosting trade in spices and other goods.
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Mapping Coastlines: The Portuguese contributed to the mapping of the African and Asian coastlines, leading to a better understanding of global geography.
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Colonization and Trade: They established trading posts along the African, Indian, and Brazilian coasts, contributing to the spread of European influence and trade networks.
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Cultural Exchanges: The encounters between the Portuguese and various civilizations facilitated cultural exchanges, introducing new crops and goods to Europe and vice versa.
Step 2
The conflict between European powers as a result of the voyages of exploration.
Answer
The age of exploration led to significant conflicts between European powers, primarily over territorial claims. Notable conflicts include:
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The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): This treaty, brokered by the Pope, divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal along a meridian, aiming to prevent conflict over territorial claims.
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Territorial Disputes: Despite the treaty, conflicts arose as both nations sought to expand their empires and colonies, especially in the Americas, leading to skirmishes and diplomatic tensions.
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Competition for Resources: The pursuit of wealth, particularly in precious metals and spices, intensified rivalries among other European powers like France, the Netherlands, and England, leading to further conflicts and colonization efforts.
Step 3
The Spanish conquest of either Mexico or Peru.
Answer
For the Spanish conquest of Mexico, major points include:
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Reasons for Conquest: The primary motivations for the conquest of Mexico in 1519 were the desire for wealth, glory, and the spread of Christianity.
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Key Figures: Hernán Cortés led the expedition against the Aztec Empire, capturing Montezuma II through a combination of military might and alliances with discontented indigenous groups.
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Consequences: The fall of the Aztec Empire led to Spanish colonization, implemented severe socio-economic changes, and resulted in significant population decline due to warfare and diseases brought by the Spaniards.