World History Europe Explores the East Lesson

In this full World History lesson, trace the early European efforts to explore the East and expand global trade. Learn how new technology, the search for wealth, and the spread of Christianity fueled the voyages that connected Europe with Asia and reshaped world history.

We’ll examine Portugal’s leadership in exploration, Spain’s competition, and the rise of the Dutch as a trading power.

🧠 Topics Covered:

Early exploration influences from the Crusades and Marco Polo’s travels

Motives for exploration: God, Gold, and Glory

Sailing innovations: caravels, triangular sails, shallow drafts, cargo holds, and navigation tools

Prince Henry the Navigator’s support for exploration

Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and its impact on trade

Spain’s competition with Portugal and Columbus’s westward route

The Treaty of Tordesillas and division of colonial claims

Dutch trading power and the Dutch East India Company

The competitive nature of European exploration and its global effects

📥 Download Matching Resources:
📂 PowerPoint: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-Europe-Explores-the-East-Power-Point-12179290

📝 FREE Guided Notes: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-Europe-Explores-the-East-Guided-Notes-12179246

📦 Full Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-Age-of-Exploration-Unit-14-Bundle-12183770

🏬 TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/kloekers-education-foundation

🎯 Lesson Objective:
Students will explain the motivations and innovations behind early European exploration and analyze how competition between nations shaped global trade and colonization.

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#AgeOfExploration #EuropeExploresTheEast #Portugal #Spain #DutchEastIndiaCompany #WorldHistoryLesson #HighSchoolHistory #KloekersEducationFoundation #TpTResources #FlippedClassroom