Why Europeans Explored
Grade 7 · Social Studies · Age of Exploration · New Hampshire, USA
Lesson Summary
Understand the economic, religious, and technological reasons that drove European exploration.
Explanation
Several forces pushed Europeans to explore the world starting in the 15th century. They wanted new trade routes to Asia for valuable spices, silk, and gold after the Ottoman Empire made land routes more difficult. Rulers wanted to expand their empires and spread Christianity. Advances in technology—such as the magnetic compass, the astrolabe, and better ship designs like the caravel—made long ocean voyages possible for the first time. The combination of greed, glory, and God drove the Age of Exploration.
Practice Questions
Q1: Name three motivations that drove European exploration.
Answer: The desire for wealth through trade (gold and spices), the desire to spread Christianity, and the desire for national glory and new territory.
Q2: How did the caravel improve exploration?
Answer: The caravel was a lighter, faster ship that could sail against the wind, making long ocean voyages safer and more practical.
Q3: Why did Europeans seek new routes to Asia?
Answer: The Ottoman Empire controlled the overland trade routes to Asia, making trade expensive and dangerous. Europeans wanted to find sea routes to bypass the Ottomans.
People Also Ask
What is Why Europeans Explored in Grade 7 Social Studies?+
Why Europeans Explored is a lesson in the Age of Exploration chapter of Grade 7 Social Studies. It is part of the New Hampshire, USA school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.
What grade level covers Why Europeans Explored?+
Why Europeans Explored is taught in Grade 7 as part of the Social Studies curriculum in New Hampshire, USA.
How can I help my child with Age of Exploration in Social Studies?+
Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with Age of Exploration topics.