Download The Reasons behind Spanish Exploration

Today’s Big Question
How did the
Reconquista shape
Spain’s actions in the
Americas?
The Moors…who are they?
Islamic people from
Northern Africa
who moved into
the extreme SW
portion of
Europe…modern
day Portugal,
Spain, and
Andorra.
Problems with The Moors…
Previously Christian area
Different cultures (languages, food,
family structure, religions, etc.)
The Reconquista
800 yr long war to take the area back from
the Moors
Left the land damaged
Cost a lot of $$
made Spaniards eager and able to fight
In 1492
Christopher Columbus went to Spanish King
and Queen asking for $$
Trade route to China and India for silk and
spices
Thirst for fame and fortune
Spread of Christianity
Would you consider CC successful
in his conquest?
Did NOT find new trade route
But did
find gold
meet new people
find new land to explore
The 3 G’s
Can you guess
them?
Today’s Big Question
How did the
Reconquista shape
Spain’s actions in
the Americas?
The Reasons behind Spanish
Exploration
 A. The Moors gained control of Spain.
1. Who are the Moors?
The Moors were Islamic People from North Africa.
2. Why do you think Christian Spaniards had
problems and issues with Islamic Moors
conquering their country?
The Spaniards believed God wanted them
to force the Moors out of Spain, they were
different religions, and were different
ethnicities.
B. The Reconquista Ends and the
Spaniards Win
 1. What was the Reconquista and how long did
it last?
 The Reconquista was a war to retake Spain from the
Moors, it lasted 800 years.
2. What did the Reconquista do to Spain and
Spaniards?
The Reconquista damaged the country, cost a lot of
money, and made the people eager and able to
fight.
3. How did this cause them to want to search and
explore?
Spain had the manpower to explore and needed
riches from trade to rebuild their country.
C. Columbus’ Voyage is paid for by
Spain
 1. Why did King Ferdinand and Queen
Isabella agree to pay for Columbus’
voyage?
Thought they could get rich from a trade
route to India and China (Silk and
Spices).
2. What other benefit did this exploration
offer?
A chance to convert people to Christianity.
D. Columbus’ success encourages
more exploration
 1. What did Columbus set out to do?
Was he successful?
Columbus set out to find a trade route to
Asia, which he did not accomplish.
2. What was his voyage successful in
doing? Why?
Columbus’ discovery of gold, Indians
(story), and new land encouraged
exploration.
Big Idea
 Why was Spain so interested in
exploration in the late 1400’s?
 Next, read the journal activity at the
bottom right of page 58 and complete
it.