chapter 2: exploring the americas essential question: what events and technological advances paved...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 2: Exploring the Americas
Essential Question: What events and technological advances paved the way for European exploration?
Section One: A Changing World
The Crusades
• For centuries after the Roman Empire fell, Western Europe was ruled by the Catholic Church and isolated from the rest of the world
• Islam spread across Middle East and Africa
• In 1095, Europeans launched the first of nine expeditions known as the Crusades, to regain control of Holy Land from Muslims
• The Crusades brought western Europeans into contact with the Middle East, sparking an interest in Asian goods
Section One: A Changing World
Marco Polo
• European interest in Asia grew after Marco Polo returned from China
• He wrote a book about his trip in 1296 called Travels, which was widely read in Europe
• Travels inspired Christopher Columbus to sail in search of Asia
Section One: A Changing World
Main Idea: The Renaissance began in the Italian city-states and spread throughout Europe.
Renaissance textbook video
Section One: A Changing World
The Renaissance:
Began in Italy in the 1300s and lasted for two centuries
Spread throughout Europe
Means “rebirth” in French
renewed interest in the classical (ancient Greek and Roman) learning
paved the way for an age of exploration
Section One: A Changing World
Powerful Nations Emerge
By 1400s, strong monarchs came to power in European countries
Looked for ways to increase trade and make countries stronger and wealthier
Europe wanted to trade directly with the East
What goods did wealthy Europeans desire from the East?
Section One: A Changing World
Technology’s Impact
Main idea: Technology produced better means of navigation and paved the way for European voyages of exploration
How did the invention of the printing press in the 1450s contribute to a growing interest in exploration and travel?
Section One: A Changing World
Better Maps and Instruments
Cartographers were able to create more accurate maps with the help of explorers and Arab geographers
Maps began to include lines of latitude (the distance north and south of the equator) and the direction of ocean currents
Section One: A Changing World
Better Maps and Instruments
Astrolabe- instrument that measured the position of the stars
Magnetic compass- allowed sailors to find their direction when they were far from land
Caravel: the first and most famous ship of the European age of exploration
sailed faster
float in shallow water
carried more food/cargo
Section One: A Changing World
African Kingdoms
Main idea: Ghana, Mali,and Songhai were among the most powerful empires in Africa
Section One: A Changing World
Ghana- A Trading Empire A.D. 400- A.D. 1100
Traded gold, ivory, and slaves with North Africa for salt, cloth, and brass
Trading contacts led many West Africans to become Muslims
Became wealthy from taxes imposed on trade
Almoravids attacked Ghana and disrupted trade routes, ultimately causing the decline of the Ghana trading empire
Section One: A Changing World
Mali-A Powerful Kingdom
Gold mines enriched Mali which was mostly agricultural
Mansa Musa- powerful and famous king
Returned to Mali after a pilgrimage to Makkah in 1324 with an Arab architect
Built great mosques in the capital of Timbuktu
Timbuktu became an important center of Islamic art and learning
Section One: A Changing World
The Songhai Empire
Askiya Muhammad led Songhai in an uprising against Mali rule
Askiya introduced laws based on the Quran
Organized Songhai into provinces and established sophisticated government system
In the late 1500s, Songhai was defeated by Moroccans
Chapter 2: Exploring the Americas
Essential Question: What events and technological advances paved the way for European exploration?