The Age of Exploration was a period between 1418 to 1620, where European ships sailed across the ocean in search of new trading routes and ideas. When Christopher Columbus, one of the most important explorers, went out to sea to try to head to Asia, instead sailed west from Europe to the Americas, otherwise known by the "New World." By this happening, it led more European nations to evolve to the Americas to claim land to themselves. Other European nations that sent out ships for overseas exploration was Portugal, who lives King Henry "the Navigator," who was one of the most important explorers of the Age because he was the man who encouraged people to trade and direct many explorations, though he himself was not an explorer, but a king. Another Portugal explorer, Bartolomeu Dias, was most important because he was the first explorer to go around the southern tip of Africa, which then gave other explorers motive for sailing.
Why did the Europeans send the ships? Well, the sent them because they wanted to find new trade routes and wanted more knowledge, adventure and also to spread Christianity. This is because in the east it was hard, difficult and expensive. Muslims and Italians controlled the flow of trade and Muslims closed trade routes from Asia to Europe, making it even more difficult for the Europeans. So then they had an idea! Europeans then wanted to find a sea route to Asia, instead of a route on land. This is why they sent the sailers to sea.
Exploration affected the economy of European nations mostly because it helped them succeed by trading not only food but porcelain, jewels, silk, and incense, making the economy of Europe to be much more active, also it contributed to the growth of capitalism. Though exploration was not the only thing that affected Europe, but it was also from discoveries and colonies. Discoveries affected the economy of European nations because more things were invented that led to advances in Europe. Also colones affected the colony of European nations because the exploration grew larger, forcing it to expand throughout other colonies, also because other colonies looked up to one another to supply raw materials and items.
New discoveries affected relationships between European nations from cartography, the art and science of mapmaking. This improved the relationship because then they found other lands. Another discovery was the improved compass. This made navigators find where their going for directions to other nations. Also, the cannon. This helped Europe because you could fire it without getting out of their ship. Native people were often no match for European guns, armor and horses.
If I was living in Europe during the Age of Exploration, live would be very different. My life would of been affected because there wouldn't be most of the technology we have now. For example.. the phone, computer, iPod and the use of transportation. From new discoveries, I would of probably have taken advantage of them, just like I have been now. If I was born during the Age of Exploration, I would of probably learned how to sail my own ships and to ride a horse, but I would be definitely be missing out on todays world. :)
