The Age of Discovery is a glorious chapter in the interweaving of geography, navigation and natural science, which is like a bright pearl embedded in the long river of human history.
This era not only brought a revolutionary leap in geographical knowledge and made navigation technology shine, but also a milestone in the development of natural science. Western explorers have stepped on the waves, breaking the thousand-year-old world order, sweeping like a storm, revealing those secret places that were once isolated from the world. Since then, goods, people, ideas and technologies have been flowing around the world, and they can no longer be contained.
The National Geographic Society's "The Age of Discovery" was translated by Chen Lu, showing us a magnificent picture of the Age of Discovery. Based on a wealth of historical data, the book provides an in-depth analysis of how mankind created the Age of Discovery, and how the Age of Discovery drove the process of globalization. The book's fascinating archives, including naval warfare and maritime supremacy, American exploration and slave trade, scientific expeditions and botanical gardens, reveal the dynamics behind the Age of Discovery. The Age of Discovery is a great leap in human history, which not only promoted the process of globalization, but also stimulated mankind's endless curiosity and desire to explore the unknown world.
In the book, we see the ** era of Renaissance European expansion, how the heroism, chivalrous adventurous spirit and ** pioneering innovation of that era were intertwined to provide a steady stream of impetus for this expansion.
However, to truly understand why Western expansion has continued, we need to delve into evangelism, imperial Manifest Destiny, and the fascination with tropical commodities such as tobacco, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, and more.
Entering the Age of Enlightenment, scientific research reached unprecedented glory. Human beings' desire to explore the unknown world has become more and more intense, and scientific investigation and exploration have become the core interests. At that time, a series of research norms were established and promoted, and a detailed classification system of plants and animals was gradually improved. At the same time, human beings themselves are gradually becoming the object of study. Whether it is scientific, spiritual or philosophical, scientific investigation and exploration are all crucial. 
The Age of Discovery did not happen overnight, but lasted from the end of the 15th century to the 19th century. In these long years, it has gone through three unique chapters. First of all, there is the glorious chapter of Spain and Portugal, who used South America as a springboard to bravely explore the mysteries of North America, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. With their exclusive possession of core nautical skills, they ushered in their own glorious moment. However, it was not an easy period, as they faced plunder and attacks from other European countries, which was also reflected in the colonial struggles of the early days of globalization. 
Subsequently, the Netherlands took its place as the new "coachman of the sea", inaugurating the second phase of the Age of Discovery. During this period, politicians, missionaries, adventurers, scientists, and businessmen all threw themselves into the flood of exploration, pushing the boundaries of exploration with religious, political, or economic goals, to the sea, to the unknown East.
At this stage, the form of colonial struggle showed a trend of mutual cooperation and joint development, but at the same time, it also triggered thinking about the definition of colonial borders. At the same time, the prosperity of the slave triangle was another notable feature of this period.
Finally, the Age of Discovery entered its third phase, which slowly unfolded in the ideological context of the Enlightenment. Britain replaced the Netherlands as the new maritime hegemon, which led to a change in the form of colonization. The rise of the Scientific Revolution gave rise to more precise ways of inquiry.
Under the patronage of enlightened monarchs, generations of geographers, astronomers, and botanists embarked on a path of discovery, authoritatively naming routes and plants in the New World. As the dust settled, what was once cooperation faded and was replaced by more severe differences in state ideology and forms of colonial rule. At this stage, there were not only new connotations of colonial struggle, but also complex changes in the relationship between the ruling and the ruled within the colonies.
The Age of Discovery is not just a starting point, but a long river of history, which serves as the cornerstone of a series of historical events and provides a gorgeous stage background for countless historical dramas. It is both the beginning of global history and an indispensable and important chapter in global history. From the perspective of the Age of Discovery, we can trace the roots of colonial conflicts and deeply understand the origins of the two world wars.
More precisely, the Age of Discovery, which is not a proper noun, has not ended, and its various manifestations in modern society have emerged one after another. It is reflected in our curiosity about the monsters of the deep sea, our fear and awe of the mountains and valleys.
The European Age of Discovery, like a magnificent epic, had a profound impact on world history. It not only opened the prelude to globalization, but also the beginning of the modern economy. In this seafaring expedition, the European countries promoted the exchange and integration of science and technology and culture through colonization and **.
However, history is not all about sunshine, and there is also a dark side to it. Large-scale slavery and cultural forced transformation, like indelible scars, are inscribed in the annals of human civilization.
Looking to the future, Europe should learn from history and deeply reflect on its past mistakes. At this new juncture, Europe should actively participate in global cooperation to promote sustainable economic, social and environmental development. Only in this way can Europe play a greater role in the global public good and contribute more to building a harmonious and prosperous world. Project Tinder