Mr. BarchettoNotes #1

EARLY EXPLORATION & EUROPEAN MOTIVATION IN THE 1400’S

DECLINE OF AFROEURASIAN TRADE NETWORK The world trading system underwent

a drastic downturn in the 14th Century. This decline led many historians to assume that when Europe emerged as a global power after 1500, the various European empires were the first example of a global trading network.

More recently, historians have realized that there was a sophisticated trading system operating throughout Afro-Eurasia before 1500 which fell for a number of reasons, including climate change, the spread of the bubonic plague, and political unrest.

DECLINE OF AFROEURASIAN TRADE NETWORK

Climate Change– climate underwent a drastic change around 1300,“Little Ice Age” Crops failed all over the world. By the 1330s the global trading

system was showing signs of imminent collapse.

Banks failed in Italy, the ports in Genoa and Venice stopped expanding

labor difficulties in Flanders resulted in poorer quality cloth being produced

the number of local wars increased, as did 'protection' costs.

DECLINE OF AFROEURASIAN TRADE NETWORK

Bubonic Plague—At the same time, the world was struggling to deal with a larger problem - the spread of the bubonic plague.

The plague probably originated in Central Asia and was carried by infected fleas with Mongol horsemen to south-central and north Asia.

It spread to Caffa on the Black Sea when Mongols besieged the city and was taken to the Mediterranean with rats aboard trading ships.

It then probably spread along trading routes. Areas that were worst-affected by the plague were generally the trading centers.

DECLINE OF AFROEURASIAN TRADE NETWORK

Ming Rebellion—In Mongol-ruled China, economic difficulties and political problems, and the 1368 Ming Rebellion lead to the collapse of the Yuan dynasty. China, under the Ming

('brilliant') Dynasty, removed itself from the global trade network. The loss of one of the largest trade circles contributed to the decline of the entire system.

EUROPEAN MINDSET PRIOR TO 1450… Fraught with Peril

Unknown distances Uncharted waters Sea monsters Falling off earth

RENAISSANCE SPARKS EXPLORATION

What changes are taking place in Europe during the Renaissance making it a perfect time for exploration to begin?

- Idea of Humanism - Printing Press

Marco Polo primary source - Education/learning - Scientific Revolution - Technology

CAUSES/MOTIVES FOR EUROPEAN EXPLORATION

What country benefitted the most from the trade coming from the east?

Italy WHY? 1400’s Italian middle men controlled

trade from Asia. View Crash Course #19—Venice and the

Ottomans

3 Major Motives: Renaissance spirit to learn about new

lands. Atlantic powers (Spain, Portugal) sought

route to Asia that bypassed Italy and Ottoman Empire.

Desire for wealth—God, Gold, Glory

TECHNOLOGY AT THE DAWN OF THE EXPLORATION AGE

GALLEY CARAVEL

Ships were suited for placid waters of Mediterranean Sea.

Required tremendous amount of manpower to row

Studier crafts were needed for open ocean exploration

Small, light and powered by a three-mast sail

More maneuverable than the galley Lateen sail allowed Europeans to tack

into the wind Sternpost rudder and cannons allowed

Caravel to dominate larger vessels

Vs.

TECHNOLOGY AT THE DAWN OF THE EXPLORATION AGE

Ptolemy’s Geography

Reintroduced to Europeans by the Arabs in 1410, showed geographical knowledge of the classical world.

Lead to great strides in cartography and navigational aids.

What errors can you find with Ptolemy’s map?

TECHNOLOGY AT THE DAWN OF THE EXPLORATION AGE

COMPASS ASTROLABE

used to maintain direction

Allowed sailors to explore out of sight of land

Helped sailors maintain a course.

Helped also with plotting latitude and making accurate maps

FRQ: FREE RESPONSE QUESTION How was the Afroeurasian trade

network a catalyst for European exploration? THINK: about last classes activity as well as what we discussed today. Write a one paragraph free response.