1. How did Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World in 1492 affect European exploration?
It triggered a wave of exploration and colonization efforts by European powers, leading to the division of the Americas among countries like Spain, Portugal, England, and France.
2. What were some of the key changes that resulted from the discovery of the New World for both Europe and the Americas?
Europe experienced an influx of wealth, changes in trade systems, and new agricultural products, while the Americas faced conquest, the exploitation of resources, and the spread of European diseases.
3. Describe how Spain’s conquest of Central and South America contributed to its rise as a dominant power in Europe during the 16th century.
Spain gained massive amounts of gold and silver from the New World, which made it the strongest European nation for much of the 16th century.
4. In what ways did the influx of gold and silver from the New World impact Spain’s economy?
While it brought unprecedented wealth, Spain mismanaged this wealth, leading to frequent bankruptcies and eventually a decline in its power.
5. What role did ambition and greed play in the actions of the Spanish conquistadors?
Ambition and greed drove the Spanish conquistadors to conquer vast territories in Central and South America, often through violent means, in search of gold and other riches.
6. How did the Spanish monarchy mismanage the wealth it accumulated from the New World? Provide specific examples.
Spanish monarchs, particularly King Philip II, squandered wealth on military adventures and poorly managed the resources, which led to economic instability and multiple bankruptcies.
7. Discuss the consequences of Spain declaring bankruptcy multiple times in the 1600s. How did this affect its position in Europe?
Spain’s frequent bankruptcies weakened its financial standing and caused it to lose dominance to other rising European powers like England, France, and the Netherlands.
8. How does the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 symbolize Spain’s declining power in Europe?
The defeat of the Spanish Armada by England marked a turning point in Spain’s military power and began its decline as the dominant European force.
9. What economic changes did the discovery of the New World bring to Europe, particularly regarding trade and currency?
The discovery of the New World led to the shift from a barter-based economy to a money-based economy in Europe, driven by the influx of precious metals like gold and silver.
10. Explain how the traditional barter system in Europe was replaced by a money-based economy after the discovery of the New World.
As gold and silver flooded into Europe, nations shifted from a barter system to a cash-based economy where wealth was measured and exchanged in money, especially gold and silver.
11. Analyze the reasons why Spain lost its dominant position in Europe by the end of the 16th century.
Spain lost its dominant position due to mismanagement of wealth, military defeats (such as the defeat of the Armada), and the rise of other European powers that better managed their resources and trade.
12. Why does the passage mention the rise of England, France, and the Netherlands as major European powers?
These nations effectively managed the wealth they gained from New World colonies and trade, allowing them to surpass Spain as dominant powers in Europe by the end of the 16th century.
13. What was the significance of the “price revolution” in Europe during this period, and how was it linked to the New World?
The “price revolution” refers to a period of rapid inflation caused by the influx of gold and silver from the New World, which increased the supply of money in Europe and drove up prices.
14. How did the wealth from the New World contribute to the long-term dominance of Western European nations on a global scale?
The wealth allowed Western European nations to build powerful economies, finance their militaries, and expand their influence not only in the New World but also in Africa, Asia, and other regions.
15. Reflect on how the discovery of the New World shaped European expansion into other parts of the world, such as Africa and Asia, in the following centuries.
The discovery of the New World established a precedent for European imperialism, leading to further exploration and colonization in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the globe, as European nations sought new resources and markets.