Navigational Technology and Exploration during the Elizabethan Era (GCSE Example Answer)

Here is an example answer to the following 16-mark question on the influence of improved navigational technology on exploration in the Elizabethan era.

‘Improved navigational technology was the key reason for increased overseas exploration during the Elizabethan era’. How far do you agree?

Marks: 16 marks + 4 marks SPAG

Stimulus = The Astrolabe / Improved ship design

[Examiner commentary following each paragraph and at the end is provided in italics]

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Overseas exploration expanded significantly during the reign of Elizabeth I for a variety of reasons. As well as the technological advancements that made this possible, there were also other reasons including improved ship design, the motivation for further trade, developments in mapping and the talent of Francis Drake, who demonstrated that increased exploration was achievable, which motivated others to embark on the adventure. Ultimately, I disagree with this statement because the motivation behind exploration (trade and empire) allowed for investment into ship design and technology in order for it to be utilised towards exploration.

[Justified criteria for judgement based on the inter-relationship between factors.]

Improved navigational technology helped greatly with overseas exploration. For example, by 1584 Thomas Harriot worked out a simpler way of using the sun to calculate the sailing direction of a ship. Elsewhere, use of the astrolabe to work out a ship’s position through the subsequent position of the stars allowed for simpler, more accurate (and thus quicker) navigation. Importantly too, these journeys became recorded, with routes being mapped in more accurate detail. The role of the printing press meant that maps recording navigational journeys could be mass produced as well. Vitally too, these copies were consistent with the original. Previously, maps had been hand drawn which meant they were sometimes unreliable. Importantly too, more accurate maps were created with a more realistic picture of the world (in terms of both how a country looked and the respective differences between them) via the creation of the Mercator map in 1569. Crucially, this map incorporated lines of longitude and latitude, which helped with placing countries more accurately on a map, which in turn helped plan voyages more effectively.

[Comparison with how maps were before illustrates the importance of progress in this area and makes the argument more persuasive.]

Improved ship design was also integral to increased overseas exploration. The development of large galleons allowed for longer journeys, as more supplies could be stored (which was useful for trade also). The lowering of the bows and sterns on these ships allowed for extra stability in difficult conditions. Additionally, creating a variety of different sized and angled masts meant that it became easier to sail against the wind. This therefore, allowed ships to enjoy, longer but also faster and more accurate voyages, something which Francis Drake was able to do when he circumnavigated the world.

[This paragraph lacks a little bit of detail and development, but you can still enter the top levels with clear explanations and use of specific historical key terms, as shown here.]

Crucially the exploits of Francis Drake also captured the imagination of England and future potential sailors. Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580 won him the admiration of the nation and allowed £400,000 of captured silver and gold, in part from raiding Spanish ships and Spanish colonies in the New World. Here then, increased exploration became an act of patriotic duty and inspired many who sought fame and fortune. Moreover, Drake’s exploits inspired others because he proved that the most ambitious and difficult of voyages were now achievable.

Importantly though, whilst the aforementioned are reasons why overseas exploration became easier (and therefore helped increase it), the real reason lay in the motivations behind increased exploration, which led to investment in the technology, ship design and people (like Drake) to embark upon these journeys. These motivations were centered around trade and Empire. For example, Elizabeth I was desperate for alternatives to the wool trade which England depended upon. New markets in the Americas meant that English ships could bring back different crops and animal skins for trading. They looked at the success of Spain in its access to sugar cane, tobacco and silver in Peru and desired this themselves. This in part explains why Elizabeth was prepared to fund many voyages of discovery. In addition, England was also beginning to make money from the triangular trade, led principally by John Hawkins who transported African slaves to the Americas so they could work for Spanish colonists from 1562. The slaves were sold for ginger, sugar, pearls and animal hides which showed just how lucrative this exchange could be. Lastly, the desire to build England’s own Empire was a motivation for adventure. The creation of Nova Albion in 1579 following a voyage by Drake to modern day San Francisco, as well as attempts to conquer areas of the Americas untouched by the Spanish and Portuguese, showed how determined Elizabeth was for Empire. It opened up trade routes, raised the status of the monarch and was an opportunity to spread Protestantism too.

[Clear understanding of the characteristics of the period/ topic allow factors to be linked, which in turn help establish a more persuasive judgement.]

Overall, there were many reasons for increased overseas expansion, but the underlying causes of trade and empire (sponsored by Elizabeth herself) did more to encourage others to work on the technology, shipping and mapping necessary to make a success of this. Ultimately, therefore, technology was a major reason for increased overseas expansion, but not the most important reason.

[Effective summary, recognising that all factors were important. Sometimes, students can unnecessarily criticise a factor in order to champion the merits of another. It is fine to promote both as long as you explain why one is more significant.]

Overall Examiner Comments:

Level 4, 13-16 (+3-4 marks SPAG)

Strong and comprehensive answer that offers an evaluative judgement based upon consideration of a wide range of points, extending beyond the stimulus. The answer would further benefit from greater balance as some arguments are developed in much greater detail than others. Nevertheless, the answer’s knowledge is accurate, the structure coherent and the criteria for judgement (that being that one factor caused progress in the others) demonstrates a detailed analysis of this particular area..