Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445–1570

This topic explores the period 1445–1570, a transformative era in which European powers, particularly Portugal and Spain, expanded overseas, encountering new peoples and establishing empires. It covers the motivations for exploration (God, glory, and gold), the technological and navigational advances that made long-distance voyages possible, and the profound consequences for both Europeans and indigenous populations. Students will examine key figures such as Prince Henry the Navigator, Christopher Columbus, and Hernán Cortés, as well as the impact of the Columbian Exchange and the debates over the treatment of native peoples, including the Valladolid Controversy.

Understanding this period is crucial because it laid the foundations for the modern globalised world, including the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and the spread of Christianity. It also raises enduring questions about cultural encounter, exploitation, and resistance. For OCR A-Level, this topic requires students to analyse causation, evaluate the roles of individuals and states, and assess the moral and economic implications of empire-building. Mastery of this content will enable you to write sophisticated essays that balance narrative with analysis.

Within the wider OCR specification, this topic connects to later studies of British Empire, the development of global trade, and the rise of European dominance. It also intersects with themes of power, religion, and identity. By the end of this unit, you should be able to critically evaluate primary sources, such as Columbus's letters or de las Casas's accounts, and construct arguments about the nature of early modern imperialism.