Foundations of European Exploration

Discussion: Think about space exploration today Discussion: Think about space exploration today. What types of resources would a country need to explore space?

Main Idea I: Europeans wanted to improve trade with Asia. Detail A: Believed could reach Asia by sailing West. High Demand for gold, spices, and natural resources. India-spices Middle East-gold

Main Idea I: Europeans wanted to improve trade with Asia. Detail B: Improved navigation instruments made it possible. Compass Astrolabe- p. 197 Map Ships

Technology Transfers from the Eastern Hemisphere to Europe that spread knowledge, increased European influence, and led to the Age of Exploration

From China

Paper Chinese legend tells that the new invention of paper was presented to the Emperor in the year 105 AD . Archeological evidence, however, shows that paper was in use two hundred years before then. The craft of papermaking relied upon an abundance of bamboo fiber to produce a fine quality paper.

Printing The Chinese invention of moveable type in the year 1045 AD, did not significantly impact Chinese society. Three hundred years later in Europe, Gutenberg's development of moveable type revolutionized the Western world

Gunpowder The Chinese first demonstrated their newest invention in the eighth century AD. Chinese scientists discovered that an explosive mixture could be produced by combining sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate). The military applications were clear. New weapons were rapidly developed, including rockets and others that were launched from a bamboo tube. Once again, the raw materials at hand, like bamboo, contributed ideas for new technologies.

Gunpowder The Chinese invention of gunpowder never went much beyond its crudest form, and it was abandoned as a military weapon In the 13th century and the Arabs improved gunpowder for military use. In 1326 Florence ordered the manufacturing of cannon and cannon balls. From Italy the making of gunpowder soon spread to other European countries, and by the 1350s it had become an effective weapon on the battlefield.

Magnetic Compass By the third century AD, Chinese scientists had studied and learned much about magnetism in nature. For example, they knew that iron ore, called magnetite, tended to align itself in a North/South position. Scientists learned to "make magnets" by heating pieces of ore to red hot temperatures and then cooling the pieces in a North/South position. The magnet was then placed on a piece of reed and floated in a bowl of water marked with directional bearings. These first navigational compasses were widely used on Chinese ships by the eleventh century AD.

From the Arabs

The Astrolabe The astrolabe and later the compass were surely some of the greatest inventions of their time. They helped Europeans navigate their way to the country they intended to visit. Imagine how many ships were thrown off course and landed in the wrong country before the astrolabe and compass were invented.

Lateen Sail The European adoption of the lateen sail in the late Middle Ages made ships more maneuverable, thus permitted merchants to sail out of the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Arabic Numbers The system of numeration employed throughout the greater part of the world today was probably developed in India, but because it was the Arabs who transmitted this system to the West the numerals it uses have come to be called Arabic.

Main Idea I: Europeans wanted to improve trade with Asia. Detail C: Nations tried to buy materials from colonies. Keep wealth in own nation.

Main Idea II: Increase in trade required changes in business practices Main Idea II: Increase in trade required changes in business practices. (Commercial Revolution) Detail A: Developed standard system of money. Detail B: Joint-Stock Company- person buys stock in company and shared in profits

Main Idea III: Mercantilism began to guide government practices Detail A: Nation’s wealth measured by amount of money. Should do all can to increase wealth. More Territory = More Wealth. Detail B: Favorable Balance of Trade- nation receives more money than paid other nations. (2 ways) Tariffs- tax on imports Subsidies- government grants of money. Detail C: Nations bought materials from colonies. Keep wealth within nation.

Desire to learn more about world (Renaissance inspired more curiosity) Post-Reading Quick Check: After reading the section, in the space provided, list reasons why many Europeans wanted to travel to colonies. Desire to learn more about world (Renaissance inspired more curiosity) Cities overcrowded 3. Many hoping to make quick profits.