Contextualization

The European Maritime Expansion was a crucial episode in human history, marking a significant change in the relationship between different peoples and cultures. It was a period between the 15th and 17th centuries when Europeans, mainly the Portuguese and Spanish, explored the world by sea in search of new trade routes, contributing to the dissemination of ideas, goods, and cultural practices.

Consolidating a new geographical era, these pioneers crossed unknown oceans, discovering new lands and populations. The contact with previously unknown peoples led to great technological, scientific, and cultural advances, but also to numerous conflicts, exploitation and, unfortunately, slavery.

This period of expansion was driven by a series of factors. Among them, the crisis of feudalism, the invention of the compass and the astrolabe, the development of cartography, and the belief in the existence of a path to the Indies through the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, there was the desire to propagate Christianity and the search for lands and riches.

Importance of European Maritime Expansion

The importance of the European Maritime Expansion for human history is undeniable. This phenomenon enabled the creation of new trade routes and the consequent globalization of the economy, led to the encounter of hitherto unknown civilizations, and, with that, a true cultural exchange. It contributed to the evolution of science, especially Geography and Astronomy, and to the improvement of navigation techniques.

On the other hand, it also had negative consequences, such as European ethnocentrism, the exploitation of native peoples, and the spread of diseases. Therefore, the study of this period is crucial for understanding how the modern world was formed, with its conflicts and challenges, besides making us reflect on issues such as colonialism, racism, and globalization.

Suggestions of Resources for Study

• Book "The European maritime expansion of the 16th century - The history and the historians", by Ronaldo Vainfas.
• Documentary "The Navigators", available on the YouTube platform.
• Site "Brasil Escola", in the section dedicated to general history, it is possible to find several articles on Maritime Expansion.
• "The History of the World", by Susan Wise Bauer, is a work that deals in detail with the Maritime Expansion.

Practical Activity: "Navigating the European Maritime Expansion"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to allow students to deepen their knowledge about the European Maritime Expansion and its implications, in a collaborative, stimulating, and practical way, applying concepts of History, Geography, and Arts.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will be responsible for studying an aspect of the European Maritime Expansion in depth, which could be a specific explorer, a trade route of importance, the influence of this expansion on the development of a specific country or region, or the cultural impacts of the expansion.

With the chosen aspect, the group must create a script for a short film of up to 15 minutes, which creatively and informatively illustrates the chosen theme. The script should include characters, locations, dialogues, scenarios, and costumes.

A hand-drawn map of a sea voyage should be created, with routes, stopovers, obstacles, and discoveries.

Materials Required

• Books and online resources for research
• Paper and pens or pencils for drawing the map
• Equipment for filming (cell phones are sufficient)
• Materials for sets and costumes

Step-by-Step

1. Theme Selection: Each group selects its theme and conducts an initial survey to understand the breadth of the subject. Books, documentaries, and reliable websites should be used.

2. Detailed Research: The group deepens the research, looking for details for the film's script and the preparation of the map.

3. Creation of the Script: The group creates the script, detailing scenes, dialogues, and direction.

4. Creation of the Map: The group creates a detailed map, with the routes and main points of the trip.

5. Production of the Film: The group produces the film, following the script and using the sets and costumes created.

6. Documentation: Students write a detailed report on the project, including Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography. The Introduction should address the chosen theme, its relevance and application in the real world, and the objective of the project. In the Development, students will explain the theory of the theme, detail the activity, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained. The Conclusions should review the main points, explain the lessons learned, and the conclusions drawn about the project. The Bibliography should list the sources used for the research and production of the project.

Project Deliverables

The final delivery will include: the script of the short film, the hand-drawn map, the short film produced, and the detailed report on the entire process. Each deliverable should reflect the research and exploration work done by the group, and both products (short film and map) should be coherent with each other and with the written report. The report should provide deep insights into the subject studied, besides reflecting the group's learning throughout the project.