Europe’s Age of Exploration Mrs. Bird’s 5 th grade Social Studies
Why would people want to explore and invent new things?
Marco Polo In 1271, Marco Polo traveled to China along the silk road. The voyage takes three years. In 1292, he returns to Europe with many stories and treasures.
Marco Polo’s Route
What do you think is the result of Marco Polo’s journey?
REsult Europeans develop contacts with Asia. Important link between the two countries is TRADE. They began searching for a direct sea route to Asia.
Why were Europeans looking beyond their boundaries?
Europe’s RenaissanceRenaissance Influenced by Renaissance –Period of cultural and artistic growth –Rebirth in learning about the past –Begins in Italy; spreads through Europe
How do they learn without computers, Xerox copiers, and television?
Johannes Gutenburg Invents the printing press Books were previously hand copied. Increase of books will increase the spread of learning.
Why would Europeans want spices and silk?
Trade with asia Europeans wanted silk and spices! Without refrigeration, people used pepper and cloves to preserve food over the winter. They paid high prices for items! Items were traded dozens of times before it reached England or France. With each trade along the silk road, the price would rise.
Do you think anyone had ever explored the seas before?
Prince Henry Never went on any explorations Paid for voyages Made improvements in navigation Navigation – science of determining a ship’s sailing direction and location
Why wouldn’t they just use the equipment they already had?
Improved Inventions Astrolabe – determine the altitude of the sun and stars Magnetic compass - indicate direction relative to the earth's magnetic poles.
Improved Inventions Brought together shipbuilders, scientists, mapmakers, and ship captains –Create a caravel Easily steered, faster, & hold large amounts of cargo
Voyages Caravels sail west coast of Africa. Prince Henry dies without seeing his dream. Do you think his dream will be fulfilled?
Bartholomeu DiasDias In 1488, he achieved Prince Henry’s goal! He rounded the tip of southern Africa.
Vasco da Gama In 1498, he reaches Asia!Asia
Why does it matter? Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, shows a way to Asia without using the Silk Road. As a result of this, prices of spices drop. Portugal makes huge profits from the sea routes. Spain wants to find an even shorter route to Asia. What does this lead to?..\Video_Quiz__
Marco Polo Travels Silk road
Result of Marco polo’s travels Trade with Asia Direct sea route
Johannes Gutenberg Invents printing press Spreads learning
Trade Spices and silk $$$
Prince Henry Improved navigation
Navigation Instruments Astrolabe Magnetic compass
CAravel Faster, easier to steer, and held more cargo
Bartholomeu Dias Rounds the tip of southern Africa
Vasco da gama Reaches asia
European REnaissance Rebirth; begins in Italy Artistic growth