How Did Europe Change From 500-1600 How Did Europe Change From 500-1600? From the early years of the Middle Ages through the Renaissance.

The Middle Ages lasted from 500 – 1500. Remember what life was like in the early years of Viking raids and feuding nobles, from about 500 - 1000. Remember the “religious wars” that took place in the Middle East from about 1000-1200. Remember what life was like during the Renaissance beginning in about 1350.

How Did Europe Change From 500-1600? During the early years of the Middle Ages: Government: - feudalism Trade: - little trade Learning: - little learning

During the Renaissance: Government: - Monarchies Trade: - Increase in trading Learning: - Increased interest in learning Arts were encouraged. New ideas were introduced. Inventions developed The Age of Exploration & Discovery started.

The Age of Discovery and Exploration

During the Middle Ages Marco Polo: an Italian merchant who traveled to and lived in China for many years. he returned to Italy with new goods and ideas - he wrote a book about this (ie – a rock that could burn)

The Need for New Trade Routes WHY? Traveling by land was expensive, difficult, and took a long time. - Had to cross deserts and mts. European traders wanted a cheaper, less difficult, and faster way to the Indies or the Far East (India, & China.) → Looking for an all water route to the East!

Henry the Navigator Wanted to find an all water route to the Far east to extend Portugal’s trade and power. Set up a school for navigators - taught sailing, chart making, and improved navigational instruments. Built a caravel = a fast moving, easy to handle ship.

Sent explorers along Africa’s west coast Sent explorers along Africa’s west coast. They set up trading forts and soon brought power and wealth to Portugal.

Henry the Navigator

Landmarks in Technology Compass- helped sailors navigate by finding direction. 2. Astrolabe- measured the angle of the stars to find latitude.

Landmarks in Technology Caravel- could sail far off the coast. It allowed for: long voyages traveling on rough seas

Voyages that Changed the World Bartholomeu Dias (1487) Sailed around the Cape of Good Hope on the southern tip of Africa. ** an all water route to the Far East was possible.

2. Vasco da Gama (1497) Sailed around Africa to stops on its east coast, and continued on to India. *The all water route was found, and Portugal became a leading trading center in Europe.

3. Christopher Columbus (1492) Tried to find an all water route to the East by sailing WEST instead of south and then to the EAST . Landed at an island in the Bahamas. Thought he had reached the “Indies” so he called the people “Indians.”

North America and South America were not known at this time. Columbus decided to sail WEST to reach the Far East.