Final answer:
The Age of Exploration ended by the 18th century with significant global impact. It included the spread of Christianity and vast cultural changes due to European colonization and trade. The era's benefits, like cultural exchanges and technological advancements, must be weighed against the heavy human and environmental costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
End of the Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration, which began in the late 15th century, gradually came to an end by the 18th century. This period was marked by the extensive overseas exploration by European nations like Portugal, Spain, England, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Aside from remarkable geographical discoveries, this era had profound impacts on global trade, culture, and power dynamics. One of these was the spread of Christianity, as Christian nations sought not only trade but also new souls to convert.
By the 18th century, European countries had established complex trade networks and colonies around the world. The increasing militarization and competition among European powers, as well as the desire for wealth and resources, led to devastation for many indigenous populations. Diseases, exploitation, slavery, and cultural destruction were rampant. The widespread slave trading, in particular, is a dark chapter that cannot be understated.
From one perspective, the Age of Exploration had its pros, such as the global exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, famously known as the Columbian Exchange. This exchange led to significant economic and agricultural growth in Europe. However, the cons were equally dramatic, causing irreversible harm to indigenous cultures and environments. When weighing whether the benefits outweighed the costs, one must consider the enormous human and cultural toll against the advancements that were made. The benefits of the Age of Exploration, such as increased global knowledge and economic growth, often came at a severe cost to human life and freedom, as well as environmental degradation.