Age of Exploration 

Age of Exploration: Key Voyages, Impact on Global Trade, and the Columbian Exchange

The Age of Exploration, a transformative period from the 15th to the 17th century, played a crucial role in shaping global history. This era, fueled by advancements in navigation, maritime technology, and the pursuit of wealth, led to significant discoveries by famous explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. Their voyages opened new sea routes, leading to the discovery of previously unknown lands and the establishment of European colonies. The Age of Exploration also triggered the Columbian Exchange, an exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old World and the New World. This era was essential in the rise of European imperialism, the growth of global trade, and the development of the modern global economy. Understanding the Age of Exploration is key to comprehending the origins of international relations, colonialism, and the cultural exchanges that continue to impact the world today.

Attributions

• By Abraham Ortelius - The Library of Congress, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6872417