#AP World History: Modern - Maritime Exploration (1450-1750) 🚢

Hey there, future historian! Let's dive into the Age of Exploration, a period of massive change and global connection. This guide will help you nail those AP questions!

#🧭 Thematic Focus: Governance & Economic Systems

#🏛️ Governance

• State Formation & Expansion: European states were all about expanding their influence and power. They used exploration and colonization to do this.
• Maintaining Order: Governments used various policies and institutions to control their territories and trade. Think of them as the rule-makers of the game of exploration.
• Power Dynamics: States competed for power and resources, leading to rivalries and conflicts. It was a race to see who could grab the most land and wealth.

#💰 Economic Systems

• Production, Exchange, Consumption: Exploration drastically changed how goods were made, traded, and used. New trade routes and colonies meant new economic systems.
• Mercantilism: This was the economic policy of the time. It's all about the state controlling trade to increase wealth and power. More on that below! 👇

#🎯 College Board Learning Objectives

• Role of States in Maritime Exploration: Understand how governments supported and drove exploration. They weren't just bystanders; they were key players.
• Economic Causes & Effects: Analyze why Europeans explored and what the economic consequences were. It's all about the money, honey! 💸

#📜 Historical Developments

• KC-4.1.III: New state-sponsored exploration is the name of the game. Think of it as a government-funded treasure hunt. 🗺️
  • KC-4.1.III.A: Portugal led the way with maritime tech and skills, creating a global trading-post empire. They were the early birds of exploration. 🇵🇹
  • KC-4.1.III.B: Spain's support of Columbus and others led to massive interest in transoceanic travel and trade. They jumped into the game with both feet! 🇪🇸
  • KC-4.1.III.C: England, France, and the Netherlands looked for alternative routes to Asia, especially through the North Atlantic. They were trying to find a shortcut to the riches! 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇳🇱

#🤔 Motives for Exploration

Why did Europeans risk it all to sail into the unknown? Here’s the breakdown:

1. 💰 Wealth: Gold, s...