Why did European explorers believe they could simply claim lands for their home countries, even though these lands were already populated? They believed that they were benefiting everyone because they were opening a door to wealth and influence..
Also question is, what were the main consequences of the early contacts between the West Africans and the Portuguese traders?
These early contacts with Portuguese traders had two significant consequences for West Africa and the Americas. First, direct trade between the Portuguese and the coastal people of West Africa bypassed the routes across the Sahara and pulled the coastal region into a closer relationship with Europe.
which European event of the late 1400s to early 1500s do you think had the most far reaching impact on European lives? In the time period stretching from the late 1400's to early 1500's the event which had the largest impact on the lives of Europeans is likely the Renaissance. This period saw a dramatic increase in new ideas and areas of study.
In respect to this, what do you think were three of the most important long term consequences of Columbus's encounters in the Americas?
I think that the three most important long-term consequences of Columbus's encounters with the Americans were slavery, spread disease through the Columbian exchange, and new rivalries in Europe. The Spanish were attacked by the Muslims in Europe.
What were the main factors that helped to encourage European exploration in the 1400s?
There are three main reasons for European Exploration. Them being for the sake of their economy, religion and glory. They wanted to improve their economy for instance by acquiring more spices, gold, and better and faster trading routes. Also, they really believed in the need to spread their religion, Christianity.
Related Question Answers
What did the Portuguese trade for slaves?
Portugal. Portugal started the European slave trade with Africa. The Portuguese were using enslaved Africans on sugar plantations in Madeira, a Portuguese island off the west coast of Africa, by 1460. They built the first slave fort in 1481, on the coast of modern Ghana.How did the Portuguese initially acquire African slaves?
The transatlantic slave trade began during the 15th century when Portugal, and subsequently other European kingdoms, were finally able to expand overseas and reach Africa. The Portuguese first began to kidnap people from the west coast of Africa and to take those they enslaved back to Europe.Who discovered Africa first?
Portuguese explorer Prince Henry, known as the Navigator, was the first European to methodically explore Africa and the oceanic route to the Indies. From his residence in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, he directed successive expeditions to circumnavigate Africa and reach India.How was Africa impacted by European contact?
The slave trade that brought millions of men and women to North America unwillingly, also affected many areas of Africa. The slavery known to Africans prior to European contact did not involve a belief in inferiority of the slaves. Most slaves in West Africa were captured in war.What did the Portuguese trade?
The main Portuguese goal was trade, not colonization or conquest. Soon its ships were bringing into the European market highly valued gold, ivory, pepper, cotton, sugar, and slaves. The slave trade, for example, was conducted by a few dozen merchants in Lisbon.Who were the first Europeans to come to West Africa?
Portuguese
When did the Portuguese go to Africa?
The Portuguese in Africa, 1415–1600.What did the Portuguese trade and buy on the Gold Coast?
In 1483, the Portuguese came to the continent for increased trade. They built the Castle of Elmina, the first European settlement on the Gold Coast. From here they acquired slaves and gold in trade for European goods, such as metal knives, beads, mirrors, rum, and guns.How did colonization affect the Native American population?
Colonization ruptured many ecosystems, bringing in new organisms while eliminating others. The Europeans brought many diseases with them, which decimated Native American populations. Colonists and Native Americans alike looked to new plants as possible medicinal resources.What made Native American peoples vulnerable?
Native peoples of America had no immunity to the diseases that European explorers and colonists brought with them. Diseases such as smallpox, influenza, measles, and even chicken pox proved deadly to American Indians. Europeans were used to these diseases, but Indian people had no resistance to them.Why is it called the Columbian Exchange?
The Columbian exchange, also known as the Columbian interchange, named after Christopher Columbus, was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries.Why were Columbus travels so important for the world at the time?
Columbus's voyages led to the widespread knowledge that a continent existed west of Europe and east of Asia. This breakthrough in geographical science led to the exploration and colonization of the New World by Spain and other European sea powers, and is sometimes cited as the start of the modern era.Why did Columbus want to find a new route to Asia?
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europeans wanted to find sea routes to the Far East. Columbus wanted to find a new route to India, China, Japan and the Spice Islands. If he could reach these lands, he would be able to bring back rich cargoes of silks and spices.How did Christopher Columbus plan to reach Asia?
The explorer Christopher Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain: in 1492, 1493, 1498 and 1502. He was determined to find a direct water route west from Europe to Asia, but he never did. Instead, he stumbled upon the Americas.Did Christopher Columbus discover America?
*Columbus didn't “discover” America — he never set foot in North America. During four separate trips that started with the one in 1492, Columbus landed on various Caribbean islands that are now the Bahamas as well as the island later called Hispaniola. He also explored the Central and South American coasts. 
