Fiveable
Fiveable

or

Log in

Find what you need to study


Light

Find what you need to study

4.1 Technological Innovations from 1450 to 1750

7 min readjanuary 9, 2023

Amanda DoAmaral

Amanda DoAmaral

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Amanda DoAmaral

Amanda DoAmaral

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

4.1 Required Course Content

Thematic Focus: Technology and Innovation

  • Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.

College Board Learning Objective

  • Explain how resulted in the and facilitated changes in patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750.

Historical Developments

  • KC-4.1.II – Knowledge, , and technology from the Classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds spread, facilitating European technological developments and innovation.

  • KC-4.1.II.A – The developments included the production of new tools, innovations in ship designs, and an improved understanding of regional wind and currents patterns—all of which made and trade possible.

TL;DR

  1. Indian, Chinese, and contributed to an explosion in new technologies before this time period.

  2. Innovators were incentivized to improve technology during this time period because they wanted to make money and compete globally.

  3. Europeans launched massive .

  4. This increased the movement of goods, ideas, and people, sometimes forcefully.

Causes of Technological Innovation, 1450-1750

  1. To distract from growing discontent among oppressed and poor populations. As social and grew, and as the gap between the and the widened, there was increasing dissatisfaction among the latter group. To prevent the emergence of , many European states turned their attention to exploration and trade, which allowed them to focus on and the , rather than addressing the issues facing their own populations.

  2. The potential for wealth and power that these activities offered. As European states competed with each other for territory and resources, exploration and trade became important tools for gaining an advantage over rivals. By investing in these activities, European states could potentially reap significant rewards, such as the acquisition of new territories, the establishment of trade routes, and access to new markets and resources.

  3. The growth of the scientific and intellectual movements during the . The growth of knowledge and the development of new technologies, such as the and the , made exploration and trade more feasible and profitable. This, in turn, may have encouraged European states to invest more in these activities.

New Technologies

Innovations in Science

🍎

  • Provided a mathematical framework for understanding the motion of objects in the universe.

  • Allowed for the calculation of the gravitational force between objects, which is necessary for understanding the orbits of planets and other celestial bodies.

  • They also provided the foundation for many other scientific developments, such as the development of calculus and the understanding of the behavior of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

🪐

  • Allowed for an accurate representation of the positions and movements of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets.

  • Led to the prediction of astronomical events, such as eclipses and the appearance of comets.

  • Crucial for astronomers and navigators to develop new tools such as the and the

🗺 Better

  • Led to a more accurate representation of the Earth and its features, such as rivers, mountains, and coastlines.

  • Facilitated exploration and the establishment of trade routes, as it allowed for better navigation and the identification of potential hazards and resources.

Innovations in Navigation

🌚

  • A tool used for astronomical and navigational purposes. It consists of a flat, circular disk with a rotating pointer, or alidade, and a series of rotating disks called tympans.

  • It was used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, such as the sun and the stars, and to determine the time, latitude, and longitude.

  • Used by many famous scientists and , such as Galileo Galilei and , and played a role in their discoveries and achievements.

⛵️

  • The triangular sail that is used on small boats and ships. It is mounted on a long, sloping yard that is attached to the mast at the top and the hull at the bottom.

  • It allowed for more efficient sailing, as it could be easily adjusted to different wind directions and was more maneuverable than other sail designs.

  • Ships could be smaller and more versatile to be used in a variety of environments and conditions.

🧭

  • The was first developed by the Han dynasty. In this period, the became more reliable and accurate known as the mariner's .

  • This type of was designed specifically for use at sea and used a magnetic needle that was mounted on a pivot and surrounded by a graduated circle. This allowed for more precise readings of direction and made it easier to navigate using the .

  • The improved contributed to the growth of commerce and the spread of ideas.

⚓️ New ships

    • The carvel was a type of shipbuilding method that allowed for the construction of stronger and more durable ships

    • It was developed in the 15th century and became popular in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal.

    • It allowed for the construction of larger and more powerful ships, such as the and the galleon.

    • The was a type of sailing ship that was developed in the 15th century. It was a large and versatile vessel, with three or four masts and a high, rounded stern.

    • It played a significant role in the growth of European maritime power and helped to establish European dominance on the oceans.

    • The was a type of sailing ship that was developed in the 16th century.

    • It was a versatile and efficient vessel, with a long and narrow hull and a single mast.

    • It facilitated the growth of commerce and the establishment of trade routes and helped to establish Dutch dominance in the maritime world.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-28%20at%2010.03.49%20PM.png?alt=media&token=e325d97f-bc61-417f-8c7a-08984e9d7209

Caravel. Image Courtesy of nautarch.tamu.edu

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-28%20at%2010.07.34%20PM.png?alt=media&token=1a708a4f-cb90-4c5f-ae3c-285549e0ece6

Carrack. Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-28%20at%2010.09.18%20PM.png?alt=media&token=6847d78e-5623-42ea-9667-6be72dce849e

Fluyt. Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Effects of Innovation

1. The growth of trade and commerce

  • The establishment of new trade routes, such as the between Europe and the Americas.

  • The expansion of markets, such as the growth of the between Europe and Asia.

  • The growth of commercial centers, such as the in Portugal, became a hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location and the development of new shipbuilding technologies.

2. The spread of knowledge and ideas

  • The publication of books and other written works such as the , which was one of the first books printed using the .

  • The dissemination of scientific and intellectual ideas, such as the works of Copernicus and Galileo, was widely distributed thanks to the .

  • The spread of new religious and philosophical ideas, such as the , was aided by the printing and distribution of religious texts and pamphlets.

3. The growth of state power

  • The development of more powerful armies, as the use of allowed for the conquest of new territories and the suppression of rebellions.

  • The growth of navies, as the use of cannons and other naval technologies allowed for the projection of power at sea and the control of trade routes.

  • The establishment of new , as the use of and other technologies allowed for the conquest and exploitation of new territories and the subjugation of indigenous populations.

  • Before 1450, Europeans did not play a prominent role on the global stage, but after 1450, Europeans were the main puppeteers of the global economy.

4. The global migrations of people

  • and of millions of Africans to the Americas, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

  • , , and traveled the global trade networks, moving both temporarily and permanently depending on opportunities.

  • Voluntary migrations of job seekers, religious dissidents, and other families looking for greater opportunities.

Explorers to Know

These men contributed to the expansion of European knowledge, peoples, and influence around the world. In each place they "explored", they also morbidly harmed the Indigenous people and cultures they encountered through oppression, slavery, the spread of disease, and institutionalized racism.

  • was an Italian explorer who is credited with discovering America. Columbus was sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, and made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, the first of which occurred in 1492. Columbus's voyages were part of a larger effort by the Spanish monarchy to find a westward route to the East Indies, and he believed that he had reached the East Indies when he landed in the Caribbean. However, his voyages also led to the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas and had significant consequences for the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

  • was a Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea, which helped to establish trade between Europe and Asia. His voyages made it possible for the Portuguese to establish colonies in the East Indies.

  • was a Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico.

  • was a British explorer who made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, during which he made detailed maps of Newfoundland and explored the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. He also visited many Pacific islands, including Tahiti and Hawaii.

  • was an English explorer who made several expeditions to the Arctic and North America in the early 17th century. During his expeditions, he explored the coast of Canada and discovered the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay. He also explored the Hudson River, which is named after him. Hudson's expeditions were sponsored by the Dutch East India Company, and he made several trips to the region in search of a northwest passage to Asia.

Key Terms to Review (50)

Acquisition of Wealth and Resources

: The acquisition of wealth and resources involves obtaining valuable assets such as gold, silver, oil, fertile land etc., often through trade, conquest or exploration.

Arab Empires

: The Arab Empires refer to several historical Arab states that existed during the Middle Ages across North Africa, West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Europe under Islamic rule between the 7th century until around the late medieval period (15th century).

Astrolabe

: An astrolabe is an ancient instrument used by astronomers and navigators to measure the altitude of celestial bodies and determine latitude for navigation.

Astronomical Charts

: Astronomical charts are maps of the night sky which astronomers use to identify and locate astronomical objects such as stars, constellations and galaxies.

Caravel

: A small, fast Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship of the 15th–17th centuries.

Carrack

: A large European merchant ship of the 14-17th centuries designed for long voyages across open seas.

Chinese Empires

: "Chinese Empires" refers to a series of historical dynasties that ruled China. These include Zhou Dynasty, Qin Dynasty which initiated the imperial era followed by Han Dynasty; Three Kingdoms period; Tang Dynasty; Song Dynasty; Yuan Dynasty; Ming Dynasty; Qing Dynasty etc.

Christopher Columbus

: An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual conquest of the Americas by Europeans. His expeditions, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, were the first European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Colonial Empires

: A colonial empire is a collection of territories (often overseas) controlled by a single state, known as the mother country. These empires were established primarily between the 16th and 20th centuries by European powers.

Compass

: The compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions relative to geographic cardinal directions. It was first invented in ancient China during the Han Dynasty.

Copernicus Works

: Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than Earth at its center. His works revolutionized our understanding of the solar system.

Cross-cultural Interactions

: Cross-cultural interactions refer to the exchange of different perspectives or ideas between cultures which often leads to mutual understanding or blending of cultural practices.

Diffusion of Technology

: Diffusion of technology is the spread or dissemination of technology from its origin place to wider areas across nations or societies over time.

Economic Inequality

: Economic inequality refers to the disparity in wealth, income, and standard of living among individuals or groups within a society.

Enslavement

: Enslavement is the act of making someone a slave or being made into a slave. Slaves are individuals forced into labor without consent and without any rights over their own bodies or lives.

Explorers

: Explorers are individuals who travel in search of knowledge about unfamiliar areas. Their discoveries have led to major shifts in our understanding of the world throughout history.

External Expansion

: External expansion refers to the process by which a country or empire extends its influence and control over new territories, often through colonization, trade, or warfare.

Firearms

: Portable weapons that discharge projectiles driven by rapidly expanding high-pressure gas produced by chemical reactions within a confined space.

Fluyt

: A Dutch type of sailing vessel originally designed as a dedicated cargo vessel in the late sixteenth century.

Forced Migration

: Forced migration refers to the involuntary or coerced movement of a person or people away from their home region, often due to factors like war, natural disaster, or persecution.

Galileo Works

: The scientific contributions of Galileo Galilei, a 17th-century Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer. His works include the discovery of Jupiter's moons, the phases of Venus, and laws of motion.

Global Competition

: Global competition refers to the economic rivalry among nations and businesses across different countries, competing for market share in an international landscape.

Gutenberg Bible

: The Gutenberg Bible is the first major book printed using mass-produced movable metal type in Europe. It marked the start of the "Gutenberg Revolution" and the age of printed books in the West.

Henry Hudson

: Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer and navigator during the early 17th century. He is best known for his exploration of present-day Canada and parts of northeastern United States while searching for a northwest passage to Asia.

Hernán Cortés

: A Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.

Impoverished Masses

: The impoverished masses refer to the large group of people in a society who live in poverty.

Indian Empires

: The term "Indian Empires" refers to the various powerful states and dynasties that ruled over different regions of the Indian subcontinent throughout history. These include, but are not limited to, the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, and British Raj.

James Cook

: James Cook was a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer in the 18th century. He is best known for his three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, where he mapped many areas and recorded several islands and coastlines on European maps for the first time.

Lateen Sail

: A lateen sail is a triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle on the mast. It was used primarily in the Mediterranean Sea during medieval times but has been adopted worldwide due to its advantages in maneuverability and ability to sail against wind.

Mapmaking

: Mapmaking, also known as cartography, is the study and practice of making maps or globes. It involves a combination of science, aesthetics, and technique to create a visual representation of geographical areas.

Merchants

: Merchants are individuals or businesses who trade in commodities that they did not produce themselves, i.e., they buy goods to sell them at a profit. In history, merchants have played a significant role in establishing trade routes and economic systems.

Missionaries

: Missionaries are individuals who undertake missions (usually religious), often abroad, with the aim of spreading their faith through preaching and charitable work.

Newton’s Laws of Gravitation

: Newton's Law of Gravitation states that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square distance between them.

Port of Lisbon

: The Port of Lisbon is a seaport in Portugal's capital city. During the Age of Discovery (15th-17th centuries), it was a major hub for Portuguese explorers setting sail to discover new lands.

Printing Press

: The printing press is a device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium (such as paper or cloth), thereby transferring the ink. It marked a revolution in communication and greatly impacted society by spreading literacy.

Protestant Reformation

: The Protestant Reformation was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

Renaissance

: The Renaissance was a period of cultural, artistic, political and economic rebirth following the Middle Ages in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. It started in Italy and spread throughout Europe, marking the transition from medieval times to modernity.

Scientific Learning

: This refers to the process of gaining knowledge about natural phenomena through observation, experimentation, and use of scientific method.

Scientific Movements

: The Scientific Movements refer to the period of history where science made significant advancements, leading to a shift in understanding about the natural world. This includes the Scientific Revolution (16th-17th centuries) and Enlightenment (18th century).

Sea Voyages

: Sea voyages refer to long journeys undertaken on sea for exploration, trade, warfare, migration etc., often over great distances.

Sextant

: A sextant is a navigational instrument used to measure the angle between any two visible objects. Its primary use is to determine the angle between a celestial object and the horizon which, along with the time of measurement, can be used to calculate a position line on a nautical or aeronautical chart.

Social Unrest

: Social unrest is characterized by widespread dissatisfaction with current social or political institutions leading to protests, strikes, riots etc., often resulting in significant change.

Spice Trade

: The Spice Trade was a commercial activity during ancient times through Middle Ages where spices were imported from lands around Indian Ocean to Western European markets via land or sea routes.

Technological Innovation

: Technological innovation refers to the development and application of new methods, tools, or systems that improve efficiency and effectiveness in various fields.

Territory Competition

: Territory competition refers to the conflict between nations or empires over control of land, often leading to wars or treaties.

Trade and Travel Patterns

: These are the routes and methods used by traders and travelers throughout history, which have shaped economic, cultural, and political exchanges between different regions.

Trans-Atlantic Trade

: The Trans-Atlantic Trade refers to the exchange of goods, people (including slaves), and ideas between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Transoceanic Travel

: This refers to the crossing of an ocean for exploration, trade, or conquest.

Vasco da Gama

: Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and one of the most successful in Europe's Age of Discovery. He was known for his voyage from Europe around Africa to India, establishing a sea route that opened up trade between Europe and Asia.

Wealthy Elite

: The wealthy elite refers to a small group of people who hold an outsized share of a society's wealth, power, and influence. They often have significant control over economic resources and political decisions.

4.1 Technological Innovations from 1450 to 1750

7 min readjanuary 9, 2023

Amanda DoAmaral

Amanda DoAmaral

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Amanda DoAmaral

Amanda DoAmaral

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

4.1 Required Course Content

Thematic Focus: Technology and Innovation

  • Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.

College Board Learning Objective

  • Explain how resulted in the and facilitated changes in patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750.

Historical Developments

  • KC-4.1.II – Knowledge, , and technology from the Classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds spread, facilitating European technological developments and innovation.

  • KC-4.1.II.A – The developments included the production of new tools, innovations in ship designs, and an improved understanding of regional wind and currents patterns—all of which made and trade possible.

TL;DR

  1. Indian, Chinese, and contributed to an explosion in new technologies before this time period.

  2. Innovators were incentivized to improve technology during this time period because they wanted to make money and compete globally.

  3. Europeans launched massive .

  4. This increased the movement of goods, ideas, and people, sometimes forcefully.

Causes of Technological Innovation, 1450-1750

  1. To distract from growing discontent among oppressed and poor populations. As social and grew, and as the gap between the and the widened, there was increasing dissatisfaction among the latter group. To prevent the emergence of , many European states turned their attention to exploration and trade, which allowed them to focus on and the , rather than addressing the issues facing their own populations.

  2. The potential for wealth and power that these activities offered. As European states competed with each other for territory and resources, exploration and trade became important tools for gaining an advantage over rivals. By investing in these activities, European states could potentially reap significant rewards, such as the acquisition of new territories, the establishment of trade routes, and access to new markets and resources.

  3. The growth of the scientific and intellectual movements during the . The growth of knowledge and the development of new technologies, such as the and the , made exploration and trade more feasible and profitable. This, in turn, may have encouraged European states to invest more in these activities.

New Technologies

Innovations in Science

🍎

  • Provided a mathematical framework for understanding the motion of objects in the universe.

  • Allowed for the calculation of the gravitational force between objects, which is necessary for understanding the orbits of planets and other celestial bodies.

  • They also provided the foundation for many other scientific developments, such as the development of calculus and the understanding of the behavior of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

🪐

  • Allowed for an accurate representation of the positions and movements of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets.

  • Led to the prediction of astronomical events, such as eclipses and the appearance of comets.

  • Crucial for astronomers and navigators to develop new tools such as the and the

🗺 Better

  • Led to a more accurate representation of the Earth and its features, such as rivers, mountains, and coastlines.

  • Facilitated exploration and the establishment of trade routes, as it allowed for better navigation and the identification of potential hazards and resources.

Innovations in Navigation

🌚

  • A tool used for astronomical and navigational purposes. It consists of a flat, circular disk with a rotating pointer, or alidade, and a series of rotating disks called tympans.

  • It was used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, such as the sun and the stars, and to determine the time, latitude, and longitude.

  • Used by many famous scientists and , such as Galileo Galilei and , and played a role in their discoveries and achievements.

⛵️

  • The triangular sail that is used on small boats and ships. It is mounted on a long, sloping yard that is attached to the mast at the top and the hull at the bottom.

  • It allowed for more efficient sailing, as it could be easily adjusted to different wind directions and was more maneuverable than other sail designs.

  • Ships could be smaller and more versatile to be used in a variety of environments and conditions.

🧭

  • The was first developed by the Han dynasty. In this period, the became more reliable and accurate known as the mariner's .

  • This type of was designed specifically for use at sea and used a magnetic needle that was mounted on a pivot and surrounded by a graduated circle. This allowed for more precise readings of direction and made it easier to navigate using the .

  • The improved contributed to the growth of commerce and the spread of ideas.

⚓️ New ships

    • The carvel was a type of shipbuilding method that allowed for the construction of stronger and more durable ships

    • It was developed in the 15th century and became popular in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal.

    • It allowed for the construction of larger and more powerful ships, such as the and the galleon.

    • The was a type of sailing ship that was developed in the 15th century. It was a large and versatile vessel, with three or four masts and a high, rounded stern.

    • It played a significant role in the growth of European maritime power and helped to establish European dominance on the oceans.

    • The was a type of sailing ship that was developed in the 16th century.

    • It was a versatile and efficient vessel, with a long and narrow hull and a single mast.

    • It facilitated the growth of commerce and the establishment of trade routes and helped to establish Dutch dominance in the maritime world.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-28%20at%2010.03.49%20PM.png?alt=media&token=e325d97f-bc61-417f-8c7a-08984e9d7209

Caravel. Image Courtesy of nautarch.tamu.edu

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-28%20at%2010.07.34%20PM.png?alt=media&token=1a708a4f-cb90-4c5f-ae3c-285549e0ece6

Carrack. Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-28%20at%2010.09.18%20PM.png?alt=media&token=6847d78e-5623-42ea-9667-6be72dce849e

Fluyt. Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Effects of Innovation

1. The growth of trade and commerce

  • The establishment of new trade routes, such as the between Europe and the Americas.

  • The expansion of markets, such as the growth of the between Europe and Asia.

  • The growth of commercial centers, such as the in Portugal, became a hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location and the development of new shipbuilding technologies.

2. The spread of knowledge and ideas

  • The publication of books and other written works such as the , which was one of the first books printed using the .

  • The dissemination of scientific and intellectual ideas, such as the works of Copernicus and Galileo, was widely distributed thanks to the .

  • The spread of new religious and philosophical ideas, such as the , was aided by the printing and distribution of religious texts and pamphlets.

3. The growth of state power

  • The development of more powerful armies, as the use of allowed for the conquest of new territories and the suppression of rebellions.

  • The growth of navies, as the use of cannons and other naval technologies allowed for the projection of power at sea and the control of trade routes.

  • The establishment of new , as the use of and other technologies allowed for the conquest and exploitation of new territories and the subjugation of indigenous populations.

  • Before 1450, Europeans did not play a prominent role on the global stage, but after 1450, Europeans were the main puppeteers of the global economy.

4. The global migrations of people

  • and of millions of Africans to the Americas, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

  • , , and traveled the global trade networks, moving both temporarily and permanently depending on opportunities.

  • Voluntary migrations of job seekers, religious dissidents, and other families looking for greater opportunities.

Explorers to Know

These men contributed to the expansion of European knowledge, peoples, and influence around the world. In each place they "explored", they also morbidly harmed the Indigenous people and cultures they encountered through oppression, slavery, the spread of disease, and institutionalized racism.

  • was an Italian explorer who is credited with discovering America. Columbus was sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, and made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, the first of which occurred in 1492. Columbus's voyages were part of a larger effort by the Spanish monarchy to find a westward route to the East Indies, and he believed that he had reached the East Indies when he landed in the Caribbean. However, his voyages also led to the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas and had significant consequences for the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

  • was a Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea, which helped to establish trade between Europe and Asia. His voyages made it possible for the Portuguese to establish colonies in the East Indies.

  • was a Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico.

  • was a British explorer who made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, during which he made detailed maps of Newfoundland and explored the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. He also visited many Pacific islands, including Tahiti and Hawaii.

  • was an English explorer who made several expeditions to the Arctic and North America in the early 17th century. During his expeditions, he explored the coast of Canada and discovered the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay. He also explored the Hudson River, which is named after him. Hudson's expeditions were sponsored by the Dutch East India Company, and he made several trips to the region in search of a northwest passage to Asia.

Key Terms to Review (50)

Acquisition of Wealth and Resources

: The acquisition of wealth and resources involves obtaining valuable assets such as gold, silver, oil, fertile land etc., often through trade, conquest or exploration.

Arab Empires

: The Arab Empires refer to several historical Arab states that existed during the Middle Ages across North Africa, West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Europe under Islamic rule between the 7th century until around the late medieval period (15th century).

Astrolabe

: An astrolabe is an ancient instrument used by astronomers and navigators to measure the altitude of celestial bodies and determine latitude for navigation.

Astronomical Charts

: Astronomical charts are maps of the night sky which astronomers use to identify and locate astronomical objects such as stars, constellations and galaxies.

Caravel

: A small, fast Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship of the 15th–17th centuries.

Carrack

: A large European merchant ship of the 14-17th centuries designed for long voyages across open seas.

Chinese Empires

: "Chinese Empires" refers to a series of historical dynasties that ruled China. These include Zhou Dynasty, Qin Dynasty which initiated the imperial era followed by Han Dynasty; Three Kingdoms period; Tang Dynasty; Song Dynasty; Yuan Dynasty; Ming Dynasty; Qing Dynasty etc.

Christopher Columbus

: An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual conquest of the Americas by Europeans. His expeditions, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, were the first European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Colonial Empires

: A colonial empire is a collection of territories (often overseas) controlled by a single state, known as the mother country. These empires were established primarily between the 16th and 20th centuries by European powers.

Compass

: The compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions relative to geographic cardinal directions. It was first invented in ancient China during the Han Dynasty.

Copernicus Works

: Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than Earth at its center. His works revolutionized our understanding of the solar system.

Cross-cultural Interactions

: Cross-cultural interactions refer to the exchange of different perspectives or ideas between cultures which often leads to mutual understanding or blending of cultural practices.

Diffusion of Technology

: Diffusion of technology is the spread or dissemination of technology from its origin place to wider areas across nations or societies over time.

Economic Inequality

: Economic inequality refers to the disparity in wealth, income, and standard of living among individuals or groups within a society.

Enslavement

: Enslavement is the act of making someone a slave or being made into a slave. Slaves are individuals forced into labor without consent and without any rights over their own bodies or lives.

Explorers

: Explorers are individuals who travel in search of knowledge about unfamiliar areas. Their discoveries have led to major shifts in our understanding of the world throughout history.

External Expansion

: External expansion refers to the process by which a country or empire extends its influence and control over new territories, often through colonization, trade, or warfare.

Firearms

: Portable weapons that discharge projectiles driven by rapidly expanding high-pressure gas produced by chemical reactions within a confined space.

Fluyt

: A Dutch type of sailing vessel originally designed as a dedicated cargo vessel in the late sixteenth century.

Forced Migration

: Forced migration refers to the involuntary or coerced movement of a person or people away from their home region, often due to factors like war, natural disaster, or persecution.

Galileo Works

: The scientific contributions of Galileo Galilei, a 17th-century Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer. His works include the discovery of Jupiter's moons, the phases of Venus, and laws of motion.

Global Competition

: Global competition refers to the economic rivalry among nations and businesses across different countries, competing for market share in an international landscape.

Gutenberg Bible

: The Gutenberg Bible is the first major book printed using mass-produced movable metal type in Europe. It marked the start of the "Gutenberg Revolution" and the age of printed books in the West.

Henry Hudson

: Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer and navigator during the early 17th century. He is best known for his exploration of present-day Canada and parts of northeastern United States while searching for a northwest passage to Asia.

Hernán Cortés

: A Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.

Impoverished Masses

: The impoverished masses refer to the large group of people in a society who live in poverty.

Indian Empires

: The term "Indian Empires" refers to the various powerful states and dynasties that ruled over different regions of the Indian subcontinent throughout history. These include, but are not limited to, the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, and British Raj.

James Cook

: James Cook was a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer in the 18th century. He is best known for his three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, where he mapped many areas and recorded several islands and coastlines on European maps for the first time.

Lateen Sail

: A lateen sail is a triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle on the mast. It was used primarily in the Mediterranean Sea during medieval times but has been adopted worldwide due to its advantages in maneuverability and ability to sail against wind.

Mapmaking

: Mapmaking, also known as cartography, is the study and practice of making maps or globes. It involves a combination of science, aesthetics, and technique to create a visual representation of geographical areas.

Merchants

: Merchants are individuals or businesses who trade in commodities that they did not produce themselves, i.e., they buy goods to sell them at a profit. In history, merchants have played a significant role in establishing trade routes and economic systems.

Missionaries

: Missionaries are individuals who undertake missions (usually religious), often abroad, with the aim of spreading their faith through preaching and charitable work.

Newton’s Laws of Gravitation

: Newton's Law of Gravitation states that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square distance between them.

Port of Lisbon

: The Port of Lisbon is a seaport in Portugal's capital city. During the Age of Discovery (15th-17th centuries), it was a major hub for Portuguese explorers setting sail to discover new lands.

Printing Press

: The printing press is a device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium (such as paper or cloth), thereby transferring the ink. It marked a revolution in communication and greatly impacted society by spreading literacy.

Protestant Reformation

: The Protestant Reformation was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

Renaissance

: The Renaissance was a period of cultural, artistic, political and economic rebirth following the Middle Ages in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. It started in Italy and spread throughout Europe, marking the transition from medieval times to modernity.

Scientific Learning

: This refers to the process of gaining knowledge about natural phenomena through observation, experimentation, and use of scientific method.

Scientific Movements

: The Scientific Movements refer to the period of history where science made significant advancements, leading to a shift in understanding about the natural world. This includes the Scientific Revolution (16th-17th centuries) and Enlightenment (18th century).

Sea Voyages

: Sea voyages refer to long journeys undertaken on sea for exploration, trade, warfare, migration etc., often over great distances.

Sextant

: A sextant is a navigational instrument used to measure the angle between any two visible objects. Its primary use is to determine the angle between a celestial object and the horizon which, along with the time of measurement, can be used to calculate a position line on a nautical or aeronautical chart.

Social Unrest

: Social unrest is characterized by widespread dissatisfaction with current social or political institutions leading to protests, strikes, riots etc., often resulting in significant change.

Spice Trade

: The Spice Trade was a commercial activity during ancient times through Middle Ages where spices were imported from lands around Indian Ocean to Western European markets via land or sea routes.

Technological Innovation

: Technological innovation refers to the development and application of new methods, tools, or systems that improve efficiency and effectiveness in various fields.

Territory Competition

: Territory competition refers to the conflict between nations or empires over control of land, often leading to wars or treaties.

Trade and Travel Patterns

: These are the routes and methods used by traders and travelers throughout history, which have shaped economic, cultural, and political exchanges between different regions.

Trans-Atlantic Trade

: The Trans-Atlantic Trade refers to the exchange of goods, people (including slaves), and ideas between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Transoceanic Travel

: This refers to the crossing of an ocean for exploration, trade, or conquest.

Vasco da Gama

: Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and one of the most successful in Europe's Age of Discovery. He was known for his voyage from Europe around Africa to India, establishing a sea route that opened up trade between Europe and Asia.

Wealthy Elite

: The wealthy elite refers to a small group of people who hold an outsized share of a society's wealth, power, and influence. They often have significant control over economic resources and political decisions.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.