Renaissance and Exploration

The spread of the Protestant Reformation in Europe.

The colonization of Asia by European powers.

The depopulation and destabilization of West African societies.

The unification of Italy and Germany.

Vasco da Gama

Amerigo Vespucci

Bartolomeu Dias

Christopher Columbus

Indigenous peoples adopted European customs and traditions without conflict or resistance.

Indigenous populations thrived due to trade opportunities with Europeans, boosting their economies significantly.

The discovery had minimal impact as Columbus returned to Europe immediately, limiting contact between cultures.

Their civilizations were disrupted by diseases brought by Europeans against which they had no immunity leading often violent territorial conquests by European powers exploiting local divisions and superior weaponry.

Christian mission schools

Sea route for spice trade

Coffee plantation monopoly

Cotton industry dominance

Cultural assimilation was equal in both cases

None contributed towards cultural assimilation

Christopher Columbus

Hernan Cortes

Steam engine

Stirrup

Improved shipbuilding techniques

Gunpowder

Women experienced an unprecedented rise in status due to newfound wealth from colonies.

Women played critical roles as navigators and sailors in seafaring expeditions.

The exploration era had minimal effect on women’s lives at home or abroad.

Women were largely excluded from exploration but bore significant impacts at home due to societal changes caused by colonization.

England

France

Portugal

Spain

Seeking new trade routes to Asia

Escaping religious persecution at home

Conquering Australia

Colonizing Japan

Belief in the superiority of European culture

Commitment to internationalism and multicultural respect

Adherence to a policy of non-intervention in other continents' affairs

Application of equal rights principles towards indigenous people