What were the factors that led to the contact of West Africa and Europe during the 15th century?
What were the factors that led to the contact of West Africa and Europe during the 15th century?
The coming of Europe to Africa during the 15th century was not just a mere coincident as it marked the beginning of dominance and power for Europe. The coming of the Europeans to Africa marked the beginning of what could only be described as the exploitation of one country for the development of another. The Age of Exploration or Age of Discovery as it is sometimes called, officially began in the early 15th century and lasted until the 17th century. The period is characterized as a time when Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of trading partners, new goods, and new trade routes. In addition, some explorers set sail to simply learn more about the world. The main factors however that led to the contact of West Africa during the 15th century were the Renaissance, Christianity, trade and for political dominance.
Firstly, it was the age of Exploration. According Lynne Elliot in her book “Exploration in the Renaissance”, noted that during the Dark Ages, churches had a lot of influence on everyday thought and the way people lived. Most people couldn't read and scientific research was discouraged. Exploration was considered something to be feared. In some areas of Europe, they believed that 'evil things' lurked in those unknown places. However, during the Renaissance, the church didn't have such a strong influence on people everyday lives. The people of the renaissance tended to be more skeptical, individualistic and optimistic. People began to think differently. There was a lot of scientific research going on at this time. Tools developed in the Middle Ages for exploration continued to be used during the Renaissance. One of these was the astrolabe, a portable device used by sailors to help them find their way by measuring the distance of the sun and stars above the horizon, the astrolabe helped determine latitude, an important tool in navigation.
The coming of Europe to Africa during the 15th century was not just a mere coincident as it marked the beginning of dominance and power for Europe. The coming of the Europeans to Africa marked the beginning of what could only be described as the exploitation of one country for the development of another. The Age of Exploration or Age of Discovery as it is sometimes called, officially began in the early 15th century and lasted until the 17th century. The period is characterized as a time when Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of trading partners, new goods, and new trade routes. In addition, some explorers set sail to simply learn more about the world. The main factors however that led to the contact of West Africa during the 15th century were the Renaissance, Christianity, trade and for political dominance.
Firstly, it was the age of Exploration. According Lynne Elliot in her book “Exploration in the Renaissance”, noted that during the Dark Ages, churches had a lot of influence on everyday thought and the way people lived. Most people couldn't read and scientific research was discouraged. Exploration was considered something to be feared. In some areas of Europe, they believed that 'evil things' lurked in those unknown places. However, during the Renaissance, the church didn't have such a strong influence on people everyday lives. The people of the renaissance tended to be more skeptical, individualistic and optimistic. People began to think differently. There was a lot of scientific research going on at this time. Tools developed in the Middle Ages for exploration continued to be used during the Renaissance. One of these was the astrolabe, a portable device used by sailors to help them find their way by measuring the distance of the sun and stars above the horizon, the astrolabe helped determine latitude, an important tool in navigation.