 Late 1300’s great social and political instability  Feudalism- political system which the king allows the nobles or lords to use lands that belongs to him  Christianity was the dominant religion

 Series of wars to capture the Holy Land  Growth of trade and towns weakened the Feudal system

 The sanitation in Europe during this time lead to many diseases.  The average person, in the city, threw their waste in the street. As people walked through it…it was carried into their homes.

 Beginning in 1347 deadly diseases such as bubonic plague continued to reduce the Feudal system because the number of people was reduced.

 One of the most deadly diseased of the time was the Bubonic Plague.  Brought over to Europe on ships…Fleas that had bitten infected mice began to invade the cities.  There was no medication at this time to stop the infection!  1/3 of population Died  It took 150 years for Europe's population to recover. The plague returned at various times, resulting in a larger number of deaths, until it left Europe in the 19th century  Approximately 375 million people died.

The Black Death originated in or near China and spread by way of the Silk Road or by ship. It may have reduced world population from an estimated 450 million down to 350 million by the year 1400.Silk Road world population 200x magnification. The bacterium that causes Bubonic Plague Knowing that the population started at 450 million and only 350 million survived what is the difference and percentage of survivors?

 “Rebirth”  From the 1300’s-1600’s Spread from Italy through Europe  Europeans questioned what life meant with the diseases and death around them

 Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in  The printing of books spread the Renaissance ideas more quickly  Renaissance eventually weaken the Roman Catholic Church

 Church leaders corrupt  Martin Luther posts the 95 statements  Supposed to correct the church problems  Split the church Catholic and Protestant

1.The Astrolabe Invented by Ancient Greeks, improved by Arab Astronomers, this tool helped European navigators determine a ship’s latitude by measuring the angle of the sun or a star in relation to the horizon. 2.The Magnetic Compass This Chinese invention uses a magnetized iron needle that aligns itself to the north and south magnetic poles. 3.The Quadrant or Backstaff Like the astrolabe, this tool measured the angle of the sun to determine latitude. However, the user did not have to stare into the sun to get the measurement. © 2011

 Kings allowed groups to travel to conquer new lands. Rulers wanted more sources of wealth and power  Mercantilism- economic system where nations increase their wealth and power by obtaining gold and silver and by establishing a favorable balance of power  Some left for reasons: diseases, economic, religious, famine

The Three G’s Religious Many Europeans saw exploration as an opportunity to spread the Christian faith. Economic At first, Europeans just wanted to pay less for Asian goods; later, nations and explorers realized they could become very rich through trade and conquest. Political For nations, exploration was a way expand the empire, which could increase their power and influence; for individuals, it could bring fame. © 2011

Columbus reaches the “New World” Other European nations begin funding “voyages of discovery” American Indians are displaced, killed in battle over territory, and enslaved. The Columbian Exchange begins Europeans brought many items with them that were previously unknown in the Western Hemisphere. Fierce competition ensues between European nations to claim and settle land in the “New World.” Europeans brought home many items previously unknown in the Eastern Hemisphere. Millions of American Indians die from European diseases. The French, English, and Dutch send explorers in search of a Northwest Passage to Asia. © 2011