AP Modern World History Flashcards: Exploration: Causes and Events
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is meant by 'transoceanic maritime exploration' in the context of 1450-1750?
It refers to new, state-supported sea voyages that crossed major oceans like the Atlantic and Pacific, a key development of this period.
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What is meant by 'transoceanic maritime exploration' in the context of 1450-1750?
It refers to new, state-supported sea voyages that crossed major oceans like the Atlantic and Pacific, a key development of this period.
Where were the two main regions of focus for Portuguese maritime expansion?
Portuguese maritime expansion focused on increasing travel to and trade with Africa and Asia.
What were the general economic causes of European maritime exploration in this period?
The primary economic cause was the desire to access and control trade routes, particularly those leading to Asia, for immense profit.
What factors enabled Portugal to build its global trading-post empire?
Portugal's development of maritime technology and superior navigational skills led to increased travel and trade with Africa and Asia, resulting in its empire.
What is a trading-post empire?
A trading-post empire is a global commercial network built through increased travel and trade, exemplified by the Portuguese empire in Africa and Asia.
What was the role of European states in maritime exploration from 1450 to 1750?
European states played a crucial role by sponsoring and supporting new transoceanic maritime exploration during this period.
What was the primary effect of Spain's sponsorship of Columbus's voyages?
Spanish sponsorship of Columbus dramatically increased European interest in transoceanic travel and trade across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
What was a major economic goal of the Northern Atlantic crossings sponsored by the English, French, and Dutch?
A primary goal of these voyages was to find alternative sailing routes to Asia to participate in lucrative trade networks.
Identify the three European states mentioned as sponsors of Northern Atlantic crossings.
The English, French, and Dutch sponsored the Northern Atlantic crossings.
A historian argues that a single voyage could reshape European economic priorities. Which state-sponsored voyage best supports this claim?
The Spanish-sponsored voyages of Columbus best support this, as they dramatically increased European interest and investment in transoceanic trade.
If a European state in the 16th century wanted to establish a trading presence in Asia, which nation's model of a trading-post empire would it most likely study?
It would most likely study the Portuguese model, which successfully used maritime technology to build a global trading-post empire in Africa and Asia.