Chapter 2 Section 1

Vikings-first Europeans to make contact with North America

Came from Scandinavia-Denmark, Norway, Sweden◦ Developed the longship, skilled sailors

Raided European nations but developed a huge trading network

Vikings Reach North America

Leif Eriksson-son of Erik the Red set sail in 1000 west to Greenland, ended up being pushed to North America by strong winds

Landed on Labrador Peninsula in Canada Sailed south to Newfoundland and possibly

as far south as New England Settled in Vinland but left after a few years,

Native Americans always a threat

Vikings-Continued

Portugal’s Prince Henry the Navigator made many advances that advanced exploration

Built an observatory Founded a school of navigation Taught better methods of navigation and

mapmaking.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Reasons to explore:◦ Hoped to bypass the merchants who had a

monopoly on trade through the Mediterranean Looking for sea route to Asia

◦ Wanted to spread Christianity◦ Interest in Asian cultures

Marco Polo’s book inspired many to learn more about Asians

Riches in Asia

Magnetic compass-tells North Astrolabe-able to position your ship based

on the stars Caravels-ships with triangular sails that

could sail against the wind Placed rudders in back of ships to increase

ability to steer the ship

Technological Advances

Bartolomeu Dias (Portuguese) led an expedition along African coast◦ Ship blew around southern tip-Cape of Good Hope

Men wanted to turn around Supplies low Return to Portugal

Sea Route to Asia- Rounding Africa

Vasco De Gama-(Portuguese) sailed around the southern tip of Africa to India

Found Muslim traders who spoke Portuguese

Made two more trips back Even governed a small colony in India Portugal wins the race to Asia

Rounding Africa by Sea

Started the Atlantic slave trade Devastating African communities Increased warfare in Africa Sent many slaves to Europe and islands in

Atlantic Other nations launch their own explorations

at Portugal gets rich.

Results of Exploration