The Development of Global Networks c. 1450--1750
European Exploration Expands Factors that led the Europeans to Cross the Atlantic Advances to European Ship design and Navigation Europeans desired to spread the Christian faith. Changes in Christianity sparked additional motivation to carry the Gospel The Economics of the situation made it a no-brainer Why only Western Europe? Why not China?
Advances in ship design and navigation Tech innovations of shipbuilding & navigation borrowed from Asia. The compass, more accurate maps, the astrolabe, improved rudders and sails.
Europeans desired to spread the Christian faith Competition from the Muslim Faith *Western European Christians, esp Iberian pen. *expeditions always carried missionaries *So and East Asia were targets Incentive for Catholic nations, Spain/Portugal/France *The Protestant Ref, split the church but created protestants as new rivals *Jesuits were the marines of the church
Money,Wealth, Technology… Luxury goods from Asia increased Europe’s wealth Tech and knowledge led to the Renaissance Cities sprang as trading centers and rebounded after decline
Why Western and not Eastern Europe? Geography played a huge role Russia was expanding rapidly and had the same tech knowledge West European countries were better organized
Why not China? They could have…..but *the Ming dynasty called back the fleets *The middle kingdom was the greatest in the world… *and what did they need…?