The Age of Exploration

Chapter 2: pg. 32-51

EUROPEANS SET SAIL

In section one, we’ll see … How economic changes in Europe make it possible to explore How the Renaissance gives sailors the knowledge and experience they need How a new attitude makes people ready for adventure How trade with China and Muslim states gives Europeans a reason to explore

Vocabulary terms for this section

• Write these down at the top of the page, and we’ll define them as we get to them …• Capital• Joint-stock companies• Astrolabe• Monopoly• Caravel

• Also write down, as we get to them, who these people are• Prince Henry• Bartolomeu Dias

The Commercial Revolution strikes

The Black Death strikes Kills 30 million

people Changes many

things, including the economy

New developments Capital Joint-stock

companies

“Money can do much; it should be held in high regard. It turns a tramp into a respected and honorable man … the more money a man has, the more worthy he becomes, while the man who is penniless cannot call himself his own master. Money makes hard things easy.” Juan Ruiz

The Renaissance affects Europe

Renaissance Rebirth of classical

culture from 1300s to 1600s

Greek and Roman knowledge comes back Art and architecture Science and astronomy

Leads to many advances in Europe New attitude – “one life

to live”

The Renaissance applied to sailing

Applying Greek and Roman knowledge Astronomy

The astrolabe Constellations

Geography – latitude and longitude Longitude – log-line and hourglass Latitude – cross-staff

Attitude and economy Attitude: man can do anything, including

explore Economy: joint-stock companies mean

adventures won’t bankrupt you

Trade with Africa and Asia

Riches through trade Africa – gold, ivory,

salt, slaves Asia – silk, spices

Too expensive! Overland from China Monopoly by Venice

Too dangerous! Turks in power Threats from

bandits

Big question from Spain and Portugal: Why not manage the

trade routes ourselves?

The Portuguese inch towards Asia

Prince Henry Navigation school Improved sailing tools Improved caravel

design Encouraged

exploration

Bartolemeu Dias First to reach southern

tip of Africa Asia within reach …

Spanish look for another route

In review …