The Age of Exploration launched an era of global connections, trade, and conquest, forever changing the course of world history. But with discovery came conflict, exploitation, and the reshaping of entire civilizations.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the motivations behind European exploration, from the search for new trade routes to the quest for wealth and power. We’ll examine key explorers like Columbus, Magellan, and da Gama, as well as the devastating impact of European expansion on indigenous peoples. This episode covers the Columbian Exchange, rise of mercantilism, and brutality of the transatlantic Slave Trade.

This episode is designed to accompany our Age of Exploration unit plan in our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with American History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The Protestant Reformation shattered religious unity in Europe and reshaped the course of history. In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the bold actions of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other reformers who challenged the Catholic Church.

This episode serves as a companion to our unit on the Reformation for World History students.

The unit (and this podcast episode) cover how the invention of the Printing Press spread new ideas rapidly, how Henry VIII’s personal and political motives led to England’s break from Rome, and how the Catholic Church responded with the Counter-Reformation and the Council of Trent. From fiery debates to lasting religious divisions, this period transformed European society and governance forever.

You can find resources for teaching about the Protestant Reformation here and join Students of History for immediate access to hundreds of engaging lessons and resources for teaching ALL of World History.

The Renaissance was a period of incredible creativity and intellectual growth that reshaped Europe and set the stage for the modern world. In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we will review the art, ideas, and culture of both the Italian and Northern Renaissance of the 1500s.

This episode serves as a companion to our World History unit on the Renaissance. In it, students discover the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Donatello, the political insights of Machiavelli, and the literary genius of Shakespeare. From humanism to scientific advancements, this era saw a flourishing of knowledge that transformed society.

This episode provides an overview of the Renaissance unit in the Students of History World History curriculum, which includes engaging lessons and resources for every day of the unit. Learn more at Students of History.