Christianity and European Expansion Term Papers
Two forces motivated the explorations and territorial expansions carried out during the 15th and 16th centuries. The one force was economic, a felt need to do an “end run” around the Muslim controlled regions of North Africa and Eastern Mediterranean and gain access to the riches of the east. The second force was religious; an aggressive and newly invigorated and self-confident Europe wished to spread the faith.
This second motivation had been around since the late 11th century when, under the urging of Pope Urban II, Europe had embarked on the first crusade. The motivation for exploration, after it became clear that Christianity lacked the means to dislodge the Muslims from the Middle East, was stimulated by rumors of Christian kingdoms to the east of the Muslim domains, the Kingdom of Prester John. This legend had been around since the 12th century.
There is no doubt of the devoutness of the Spanish who went to the New World to spread the faith and find gold. Richman notes that Pizarro, while in the process of conquering Peru, was wont to motivate his followers by appealing to their piety. Columbus was also known to be a devout man.
The religious orders of Spain played a particularly crucial role in the New World. They were both motivators and organizers. The Jesuits, Dominicans, and Franciscans were all very active in proselytizing in the New World. Moreover, after some semblance of order was attained in the new Spanish dominions, much of the work of mediating between the newly converted/conquered and their Spanish masters, was done by the Church.
Religion was a potent spiritual and political force during the time of the conquest of the New World. Gold and the Cross were what motivated the men who went to the Americas. For most of them, gold was probably the major cause of their going. But, for many, the Cross was an equally strong motivator.
Order your custom Christianity and European Expansion history term papers today...Place Order Here!
Custom Christianity and European Expansion Term Papers
Term Papers are custom written on Christianity and European Expansion at Paper Masters. Christianity and European Expansion term paper due tomorrow? This SAMPLE term paper on Christianity and European Expansion is just a suggestion. Since all term papers are custom written, you tell us the exact criteria of your term paper on Christianity and European Expansion and we assign one of our professional academic term paper writers to the project. Also, you tell us the due date of when you need your term papers and we guarantee delivery by 11:59PM EST on date! Plagiarism free term papers delivered to your e-mail on Christianity and European Expansion!
This is a SAMPLE term paper only!!!