ALIEN ENCOUNTERS EUROPE IN THE AMERICAS.ppt

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: EUROPE IN THE AMERICAS Columbus and the Discovery of America Christopher Columbus reached the West Indies on October 12, 1492 by the fifteenth century, western Europeans discover direct routes to the East Prince Henry of Portugal sponsored improvements in navigation and voyages of exploration Spain’s American Empire in 1493, Pope divided the non-Christian world between Spain and Portugal Portugal concentrated on Africa and Brasil Spain concentrated on the Caribbean and Americas The Indian and the European European technological superiority, particularly in instruments of war, provided the tools for domination Relativity of Cultural Values Europeans regarded as heathens because the did not worship the Christian God most Indians were deeply religious some Europeans believed Indians were minions of Satan, unworthy of Christianity some, such as Spanish friars attempted to convert them Indians exploited the land as Europeans did fished, hunted, modified vegetation and wildlife different approaches to land and government led to conflict even in warfare, the two cultures differed Indians fought to display valor, avenge insult, or to acquire captives Europeans fought with the intent to obliterate the enemy Disease and Population Losses Europeans brought with them diseases for which Indians had no immunities, particularly smallpox and measles these diseases devastated Indian populations Spain’s European Rivals Spain dominated exploration of the Americas during 16th century due to its internal stability but corruption over gold and silver began to erode this stability and the disruption of the Catholic church undermined Spanish power The Protestant Reformation the sale of indulgences and the luxurious life-styles of popes led to a challenge by reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin in England, Henry VIII’s search for a male heir led him to split from Rome when the Pope refused him a divorce English Beginnings in America Queen Elizabeth supported