This summary sheet covers the entirety of the AQA GCSE History topic ‘Historic Environment: Drake’s Circumnavigation’. This is for 2024 exams only.
Including key dates and key words, this poster everything you need to ace your exams!
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT: DRAKE’S CIRCUMNAVIGATION
KEY DATES DRAKE’S BACKGROUND
Drake is born (1540) Francis Drake was born in Devon around 1540. He had a lowly birth (meaning he was of a lower class). At an early age,
Drake and Hawkins go to San Juan Drake was placed into the household of a relative, William Hawkins, and began his seagoing training as an apprentice.
du Ulua (1568) Both Hawkins and Drake were involved in the trade of enslaved African people – Queen Elizabeth supported these
Voyage sets sail (1577) activities. In 1568, Drake and Hawkins tried to sell Africans in San Juan de Ulua, but were attacked by the Spanish.
Voyage returns (1580) Drake developed a fierce desire for revenge. In another of his voyages, Drake met a man named Diego who had
Drake dies (1596) invaluable knowledge and connections.
KEY WORDS REASONS FOR EXPLORATION
There were many reasons people wanted to explore:
Circumnavigation – The action or
• In the 16th Century, exploration was very dangerous, so a successful one would lead to great fame.
process of sailing around the world
• People wanted to develop their knowledge
Rutter – A diary recording new
• People wanted to colonise (leading to an extension in English power)
information (these often included
• Spain and Portugal had lots of gold and silver
pictures)
• Needed to find a new route to China without interfering with the Ottoman Empire
Colonisation – Establishment and
• Human Trade was very profitable
development of settlements
• New inventions like the printing press and magnetic compass encouraged exploration
Privateer – A sailor
• Developments in ships led to exploration
Anglo-Spanish – Something between
• Trading companies – for example the East India Company and the Muscovy Company
England and Spain (e.g a relationship)
• Patriotism
Renaissance – A time of change /
• Explore “New Worlds”
rebirth
THE VOYAGE
Drake’s voyage had many backers including Queen Elizabeth, the Privy Council and the Hawkins brothers. However, Drake’s crew were unwilling as they were lied
to about their destination – this made them very annoyed. Drake’s voyage started in Plymouth in 1577 and finished in Plymouth in 1580. Drake kept a rutter of his
findings. Throughout the voyage, gets his revenge by stealing from the Spanish. Drake’s voyage finished with just 1 ship – The Golden Hind and 59 crew members.
CHANGES AND CONSEQUENCES
1. Drake’s social status was hugely elevated – he became a celebrity and was knighted. This made people very jealous. People were also annoyed that a poor man
was able top have such power over society.
2. Geographical Understanding was hugely improved. The Drake Passage and Drake’s Bay were discovered and Drake’s rutter was invaluable.
3. Treasure and wealth was gained. Drake brought back around £480,000,000 in today’s money.
4. Anglo-Spanish relation worsened as the Spanish were raided for treasure. Queen Elizabeth refused to share new geographical information with them.
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