1. The Renaissance & European Exploration

2. Renaissance is the French word meaning “rebirth”
Middle Ages-
Europe no contact
with the world, but then…
The Crusades = religious
Wars between the
Christians and Muslims
Merchants brought back
Goods from Asia and
The Middle East
This leads to the age known as
The Renaissance = burst of learning

3. New Discoveries in
Art
Medicine
Astronomy
Science
Literature
Music

4. Important Inventions of the Time
The printing press
Invented by Johannes Gutenberg
Increased availability of books
Decreased cost
Increased education of common people

5. Why did Europeans go Exploring?
Economic Reasons
A. Nations wanted raw materials
B. Monarchs wanted goods and spices
C. They wanted to find new trade routes

6. Why did Europeans go Exploring?
Political Reasons
A. Empire building (conquering other
nations)
- Monarchs wanted goods and spices
- They wanted to find new trade routes
B. European Rivalries

7. Why did Europeans go Exploring?
Social Reasons
A. Spreading ideas and beliefs
B. Seeking religious freedoms

8. Columbus Europeans were searching for new ways to get to Asia.
Portugal sent sailors along the coast of Africa.

10. Columbus
In 1492 Columbus was hired by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to cross the Atlantic Ocean to India.
He was given 3 ships: The Nina, the Pinta & the Santa Maria.
Columbus lands in the Americas on October 12,

12. Columbus’ Impact
Lasting contact between Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Native American lands taken and people enslaved.
Food, culture and diseases are exchanged.