Studied by 4 peopleTags & Description
Who was John Hawkins?
One of the most notable sailors and naval commanders of the 16th century
Englands first slave trader
In 1562 he sailed from Plymouth and kidnapped about 400 West Africans
Who was Francis Drake?
English sea captain, privateer, navigator, slave trader and politician.
Most famous for being the second person to circumnavigate the world between 1577 and 1580.
He began an era of privateering and piracy on the western coast of the Americas.
Why were exploration voyages made (maps)
Development of standardised maps such as the Mercator Map of 1569 meant sailors and traders could be confident in where they were going, leading to longer voyages.
Why were exploration voyages made (private investment)
Private investors, including Elizabeth I and her courtiers funded many of the voyages of discovery. This was risky but rewards could be significant.
Why were explorations made (expanding territory)
Voyages of exploration enabled explorers to claim territory for Elizabeth’s government, especially in the New World (America) leading to settlement and colonisation.
Why were explorations made (trade)
English merchants needed new trading opportunities, as was with Spain and the Netherlands had severely damaged the wool and cloth.
Why were exploration voyages made (improvements in ship design)
Ships had bigger sails, were faster and easier to move and had greater firepower. They were also more stable and could take more supplies encouraging longer journeys.
Why were explorations made (adventure)
Some young Elizabethan men such as Francis Drake set off on voyages of discovery and exploration. They published accounts of these voyages, though often inaccurate, persuaded others to venture into the unkown to find their fortune.
Why were explorations made (new technology)
The development of devices such as quadrants and astrolabes made navigation more precise, so voyages were safer and faster leading to more exploration and trade.
Why did Drake circumnavigate the globe?
He was attacking Spain-his main purpose was to raid Spanish colonies in the Pacific.
Revenge-The Spanish had attacked Drake’s fleet at St Juan de Ulua and most of his men had been killed
Profit-Loot and trade meant there were huge profits to be made, so people were willing to invest in the expedition
Englands reputation as a seafaring power…
Increased. In spite of the fact that only one of Drakes 5 ships survived, England’s reputation was significantly improved.
England’s naval power…
Increased as a way of defending the country from invasion and protecting trading interests.
What did Drake’s achievement do?
Boosted the income of Elizabeth and her government. This made England more powerful and made her an ally for other European states who saw Spain as a threat.
Where did England now begin trading?
China, West Africa and India. This established England as a major trading power.
Where in America became English territory? What did this Encourage?
Nova Albion, an area near San Francisco. This encouraged trade and exploration especially to the New World where England established colonies in the 16th and 17th century.
What was one of the key purposes of Elizabethan exploration?
To open up profitable trading routes, including the Northwest Passage and routes to West Africa, the Americas and Far East.
The search for the Northwest Passage:
Martin Frobisher made three voyages in the search of the Northwestern route to China and the Far East-all were completely unsuccessful. John Davis led three expeditions 1585-87 but these were equally unsuccessful.
West Africa and the triangular trade:
The slave trader John Hawkins helped establish the triangular trade. This involved:
Selling goods in West Africa, taking slaves from West Africa and selling them in the West Indies, then buying sugar, cotton and tobacco in the West Indies, and taking it back to England.
Attempts to colonise the Americas:
Expeditions to colonise the east coast of America were unsuccessful. An expedition in 1578 by Humphrey Gilbert was abandoned. His second in 1583 reached Newfoundland but many of the colonists died on the journey home.
Attempts to settle colonists in Virginia, on Roanoke Island also came to nothing. The colony was mysteriously abandoned.
Benefits of exploration and trade:
English merchants and traders made big profits from trading with other countries
The Crown benefitted by charging duties (taxes) on imported goods. It also made money by granting trading licenses to organisations like the Barbary Company and the East India Company
When did Walter Raleigh take place in a military expedition in Ireland? What did this lead to?
1580. Gained him favour with Elizabeth and he was given land there following the defeat of a rebellion.
What did Elizabeth grant Raleigh in 1584?
A royal charter for seven years, which allowed him to explore, take over, and rule lands that were not Christian or ruled by Christians in return for one fifth of the gold and silver mined there.
What was Raleigh named in 1587?
Captain of the Royal Guard.
Raleigh and Elizabeth:
Military success in Ireland in 1580 made him a favourite, Elizabeth granted him lands and made him Captain of the Guard,
He fell out of favour in 1592 for secretly marrying Elizabeth Throckmorton, and he was expelled from court and sent to the Tower,
After taking part in the capture of Cadiz he was made governor of Jersey in 1600.
Why was Raleigh important?
He encouraged exploration and colonisation of the New World by getting investors to fund expeditions. This set an example and led to more expeditions.
His failures changed the way that the government approached colonisation. Raleigh raised money among friends but future ventures used Joint Stock Companies. These paid a share of profits to investors increasing level of investment.
Benefits:
Wealth
Technology
New routes
National glory
Controversy:
Drake’s knighthood and reputation
Secrecy about it and relationship to Spain
General consequences:
Wealth
Technology
New routes
Glory
Relationship with Spain
Main reason for it:
Wealth
Drake’s ambition
Relationship with Spain
New trade routes
Main causes:
Note
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