15th Century Europe: Exploration, Trade, and Monarchy

XV Century Europe: A Period of Transformation

Population and Economic Growth

The end of major epidemics and improved agricultural practices led to population growth and increased demand. This, in turn, boosted agricultural production and revived sea routes, fostering trade and the growth of cities. The demand for currency markets increased to facilitate these exchanges.

The Rise of the Bourgeoisie and Commercial Capitalism

The expansion of trade and manufacturing led to significant profits for the bourgeoisie, whose economic power was rooted in productive activities. This marked the beginning of commercial capitalism.

The Monarchy of Ferdinand and Isabella

The Union of Castile and Aragon

In 1469, Prince Ferdinand of Aragon married Princess Isabella of Castile. Upon the death of their respective fathers, they became King and Queen, uniting the two kingdoms dynastically. While each kingdom retained its own laws, institutions, and systems, the Catholic Monarchs ruled jointly.

Territorial Expansion

The Catholic Monarchs pursued a policy of territorial expansion. After a ten-year war, they conquered the Moorish kingdom of Granada. The kingdom of Navarre, allied with France, was eventually incorporated into Castile, maintaining its own laws and institutions. The monarchs also pursued a policy of intermarriage with Portugal.

The Great Sea Voyages

Objectives of the Long Journeys

European trade with the East traditionally flowed through the Silk Road to Constantinople and across Central Asia. The Ottoman conquest of Constantinople disrupted these routes, necessitating the search for new sea lanes.

The Portuguese Expeditions

Portuguese navigators pioneered new routes, including the African route and the route to India.

Advancements in Navigation

• Portolan Charts: Detailed nautical charts showing coasts and ports.
• Rudder and Compass: Used for maintaining course.
• Astrolabe: Used for timekeeping and determining latitude.
• Caravel: A robust, tall ship suitable for Atlantic voyages.

The Columbus Project

Christopher Columbus believed he could reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic. Unaware of the Americas, he underestimated the Earth's diameter. Queen Isabella agreed to finance his expedition, signing the Capitulations of Santa Fe.

The Four Voyages of Columbus

The First Voyage

In 1492, Columbus sailed from Palos with three ships: the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña. On October 12, 1492, they landed on Guanahani in the Bahamas, which Columbus renamed San Salvador. He also explored Cuba and Hispaniola (Haiti).

The Subsequent Voyages

Columbus led three more voyages. The second expedition, in 1493, consisted of 15 ships and 1,500 men. On the third voyage, he reached Trinidad and the Orinoco River. On his fourth voyage, he explored the coast of Central America. Columbus died believing he had reached Asia.

The Division Between Spain and Portugal

To avoid conflict over newly discovered lands, Spain and Portugal signed the Treaty of Tordesillas, establishing a dividing line for future colonization.