Exploring the Americas Chapter 2 / Section 1 A Changing World

New Ideas and Nations New Ideas Came From: – The Renaissance – Islam swept through N. Africa and the Middle East – Crusades were launched against Islam – Interest in China grew from Polo’s “Travels” – Inspired Columbus to sail to the East

Growth of Trade Merchants knew there were fortunes to be made Merchants bought goods from Arabs > Merchants sent goods over the Mediterranean > Goods ended up in Italian ports – Merchants wanted to bypass the Arabs

Growth of Ideas Banking and expansion of trade promoted wealth and ideas Studied classical works Renaissance – Spain, Portugal, England and France emerge as superpowers

Technology's Impact Printing of books Improved Maps and Instruments – Astrolabe – Magnetic Compass Improved Ships – Stern rudder / Triangular sail – Three-masted caravel (Portuguese) – New age of exploration launched

African Kingdoms Arabs traded for goods on African interior Ghana – Imposed and prospered from trade route taxes – Had gold, salt and slaves Mali – Gold and agriculture – trade routes – Mansa Musa Songhai – Sophisticated government based on Quran – Defeated by the Moroccans