Europe before 1492 and

the Reasons for Exploration

European Social Organization

A Hierarchical Society

Monarch

Greater Nobles

Lesser Nobles and the Church

Peasants made up more than 90% of the population

Peasants - tied to their noble’s land - could not freely leave- heavily taxed by their ‘Lord’

The Church supported the feudal system and had its own wealth and had power over Kings and the nobility

A Feudal Political & Economic System- Those on top of the system offered land and protection- Those below gave loyalty and military support

Factors encouraging European Exploration

The Crusades - Between the 11th and 13th centuries Europeans, directed by the Church, Europeans unsuccessfully attempted to conquer the Near East, ‘the Holy Land’, from the groups who occupied the region. - Exposure to the East increased the demand for eastern goods, decline in church influence, and a decline in the noble classes

Population Recovery and Growth - the end of the Hundred Years War in Northern Europe and the end of the Plague led to a rise in population and the need for more territory

Renaissance Spirit - a ‘rebirth in learning’ that began in Italy during the 1300’s - led to increased interest in classical Greece and Rome - a focus on individual achievement - a desire to gain knowledge about the world,

which encouraged exploration

Prince Henry the Navigator in Portugal - beginning in the early 1400’s - he supported the education of navigators - Encouraged the development of improved sailing technology - pushed for exploration of African coast

Growth of Commerce - wealth generated by trade instead of land ownership - an emerging merchant class, outside the feudal structure - led to a desire for new routes to the East, more natural resources and markets for trade

Rise of the Nations and Monarchs - European Monarchs had increased power, and with it an increased desire for more wealth & land

Henry VIII of England Francis I of France

Fall of Constantinople - Constantinople was at the crossroads of Europe and Asia- The Ottoman Turks captured the city in 1453 - they limited Europe’s overland access to the Far East - this encouraged exploration for new routes to Asia by sea. - Classical texts recovered by fleeing scholars further spurred the

Renaissance in Italy.

Advances in Sailing Technology - Advances in navigation: compass and astrolabe - Advances in ships: the lateen sail, ballast, bilge pump- A new kind of ship, the caravel, incorporated these advances- These improved ships were able to travel along coastlines and across open water

Reformation

- In 1517 Martin Luther began the division of the Christian Church. - The divided church led to: a decline in Church influence in many governments, religious conflict, & a desire for more religious freedom

- Together these factors encouraged Europeans to explore the African coast and then venture across the Atlantic Ocean.

- This would lead to the opening of the Americas to exploration and colonization