AP®HistoryCollege BoardUS HistoryStudy GuidesPeriod 1: 1491 - 1607European Exploration in the AmericasChristopher Columbus & the Cause of Exploration

Christopher Columbus & the Cause of Exploration (College Board AP® US History): Study Guide

Barbara Keese

Written by: Barbara Keese

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Christopher Columbus & the causes of exploration

Timeline

Timeline of explorers from 1400 to 1550, showing Portuguese in green and Spanish in yellow, with notable names like Columbus and Magellan.
Spanish and Portuguese explorers

  • European exploration and conquest began at the start of the 15th century and ended around the beginning of the 19th century

  • Spain and Portugal were the first countries to sail west to explore new routes to Asian markets

    • They aimed to enhance their wealth and power

  • Silk, gold, spices, and enslaved people were bought and sold in Asian markets via overland routes

Why search for new routes to Asian markets?

  • Overland journeys were hazardous

    • Robbers and thieves attacked trading merchants

    • It was cheaper to go by ship than to travel overland

  • Explorers searched for the 3 G’s: gold, glory, and God

    • Gold for the wealth it would bring them and their nations

    • Glory for the fame when they returned to Europe

    • God for the fear of Islam and the desire to spread Christianity

Christopher Columbus

  • Columbus was an Italian navigator who sailed for Spain in 1492

  • Three ships made the first voyage: Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria

  • They landed in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Barbara Keese

    Author: Barbara Keese

    Expertise: History Content Creator

    Barbara is an experienced educator with over 30 years teaching AP US History, AP Human Geography, and American History to grades 6–11 in Texas. She has developed teacher training, authored curricula, and reviewed textbooks to align with educational standards. Barbara has also served on Texas’ textbook adoption committee and the Round Rock History Preservation Commission, contributing to history education beyond the classroom. She holds a Master’s in Curriculum Development and certifications in History and Gifted/Talented Education. In her free time, she enjoys historical fiction and quilting blankets for veterans.

    Bridgette Barrett

    Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

    Expertise: Geography, History, Religious Studies & Environmental Studies Subject Lead

    After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.