Final answer:
The Age of Discovery, led by European nations like Spain and Portugal, was driven by a quest for new trade routes, wealth, and territorial expansion, marked by significant exploration and colonization efforts, which had far-reaching impacts on global trade, economy, and cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Age of Exploration
During the Age of Discovery, from the 15th to the 17th century, European nations embarked on a quest for new territories, driven by multiple motives.
Technological advancements, combined with the desire for new trade routes and resources, the spread of Christianity, and the pursuit of wealth, spurred countries such as Spain, Portugal, and others to explore uncharted waters.
The discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked a significant milestone in this era, with European powers establishing colonies and thereby reshaping the global order.
The Portuguese were pioneers in this period, initiating maritime exploration along the African coast to find a sea route to India, thus bypassing middlemen and reducing the cost of goods. Other European countries soon followed, seeking their share of trade, glory, and territory.
This ushered in an interconnected world economy, driven by global trade that enriched European states and established their dominance in international affairs.
The consequences of European exploration were profound, leading to the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas across continents. It also had darker aspects, such as the spread of diseases, exploitation and displacement of native populations, and the establishment of the transatlantic slave trade.
The era transformed not only the geographical knowledge of the world but also the economic and political landscapes, setting the foundation for the modern era of globalization.