Over the last several weeks, we have discussed the first contact between peoples from Africa,
Europe, and the Americas. This contact occurred because of exploration which was motivated by
a variety of factors. In your first essay, I would like you to answer the following question:
What was the primary motivation for exploration and/or empire-building in Africa and/or the
Americas?
As you answer this question, please ensure you draw from the primary sources that we have read
for this class as well as information from the class.
From the book Major Problem of the Atlantic World:
Major
Problems in Atlantic History (MPAH), pp. 38-40.Martin W. Lewis, “Inventing Oceans” in MPAH, pp. 3-10. “Two Atlantic Inhabitants Explain the Origins of the Sea, 1490s and 1590” in Major
Problems in Atlantic History (MPAH), pp. 38-40. David Northrup, “The Portuguese-African Encounter” in MPAH, pp. 40-48.
Problems in Atlantic History (MPAH), pp. 38-40.Martin W. Lewis, “Inventing Oceans” in MPAH, pp. 3-10. “Two Atlantic Inhabitants Explain the Origins of the Sea, 1490s and 1590” in Major
Problems in Atlantic History (MPAH), pp. 38-40. David Northrup, “The Portuguese-African Encounter” in MPAH, pp. 40-48.
” The Vikings Explore North America, c. 1010” in MPAH, pp. 25-27. “Leo Africanus Describes a West African World of Trade, c. 1515” in MPAH, pp. 35-
38. Portuguese Expedition Meets Resistance in Gambia, 1455” in MPAH, pp. 32-33. “Castilian Law Incorporates Slaves and Others Before 1492” in MPAH, pp. 27-31.
38. Portuguese Expedition Meets Resistance in Gambia, 1455” in MPAH, pp. 32-33. “Castilian Law Incorporates Slaves and Others Before 1492” in MPAH, pp. 27-31.