What impact did the Age of Exploration have on global trade?

• A. Closed off trade routes to Asia
• B. Expanded trade networks and introduced new goods
• C. Established strict mercantilist policies
• D. Limited European resources

Answer: (B)

The Age of Exploration significantly transformed global trade by expanding trade networks and introducing a variety of new goods to different parts of the world. As European explorers venturing out to discover new lands encountered unfamiliar markets, they established trade routes that connected Europe with Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This led to an exchange of commodities such as spices, silk, precious metals, and agricultural products. Notably, the Columbian Exchange is a prime example of this phenomenon, where crops such as maize, potatoes, and tomatoes were introduced to Europe, while horses and wheat were taken to the Americas.

Additionally, the exploration led to the establishment of trade companies and colonies, which further integrated global commerce. This expansion of trade not only diversified the goods available in different regions but also stimulated economic growth and laid the foundation for the modern global economy. The interconnectedness between continents resulting from the Age of Exploration fundamentally altered patterns of trade and set the stage for the rise of European dominance in global affairs.