Question 3 Flashcards
Context
The Crusades, plague and the collpase of the Byzantine Empire sparked the need for a cultural rebirth of Europe. In Europe the Rennaissance led to manu culural impacts on societies. The decline in fuedalism and manorism was prominent. This increase focus of knowledge and learning pushed for the Scientific Revolution.
Thesis
In the period 1450-1750, new technology helped facilitate the increase in trade and ensured more safety upon the voyages of the Chinese, english, Dutch, and portuguese.
Evidence
Sternpost rudder – improved steering - Invented in China – Han Dynasty.
Astrolabe – measured distance of sun/stars above horizon – latitude
Lanteen Saills: This maneuver allowed boats could sail against the winds.
Europeans adopted lateen sails from Arab merchants.
Magnetic Compass – Chinese – direction without sight of land
earliest compasses originated in China before Muslim traders brought them west. The Europeans first used the compass in Mediterranean trade and voyages from the Mediterranean to the English channel.
Islamic astronomers studied and published a great deal of astronomical knowledge. Much of their work was original but inspired by earlier astronomers like the ancient Greek
Al -Sufi
European maritime navigators used these astronomic maps to help them navigate upon unknown waters on long trans-oceanic voyages.
Portuguese caravel The ship used lateen sails and was light, allowing it to sail farther and faster than existing boats.
Monsoon winds charted in India → flourishing trade
effect
More contact
Safer travel
Ability to go back and forth
more profitable
