What Sparked the Age of Exploration and Discovery

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of the Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration. It begins by introducing the "world history mystery" of what sparked this era, leading students through the primary motivations of European nations: God, Gold, and Glory. The video explains how the Crusades and the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople created a demand for new trade routes to Asia, setting the stage for maritime expansion. Key themes include the technological innovations that made transoceanic travel possible, such as the caravel ship, astrolabe, sextant, and improved cartography. The video specifically highlights the roles of Portugal and Spain as early leaders in exploration, discussing figures like Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Christopher Columbus. It also covers significant geopolitical events like the Treaty of Tordesillas, explaining how the world was divided between these two powers. For educators, this video serves as an excellent foundational resource for World History units. It clearly connects cause and effect—showing how economic necessity (blocked trade routes) and technological advancement led to global changes. The content encourages critical thinking about the impact of exploration on indigenous populations and the lasting legacy of colonization, making it a strong starting point for deeper classroom discussions about the complexities of this historical period.