The Old World Finds the New

The Vikings

• The first to visit North America

• Leif Ericson was the best known. He founded Vinland

• Had colonies in Greenland and Iceland

• Around 1000 AD

Leif Ericson Eric the Red

Why was Europe ready to start exploring?

• Better ships were designed and built

Why was Europe ready to start exploring?

• New instruments were available

Why was Europe ready to start exploring?

• The growth of towns and cities created more wealth

How big was Columbus’ ship?

• Titanic – 882 feet• Cargo ship – 964 feet• Aircraft carrier – 1092 feet• Cruise ship -- 1187

Hints: Santa Maria was the biggest and slowest Nina was the smallest

How fast was Columbus’ ship?

• Cargo Ship – 16.1 miles per hour• Cruise ship – 24.15 miles per hour• Titanic – 24.15 miles per hour• Aircraft carrier – 34.5 miles per

hour

Reasons for Exploration

1. Wanted to find a new route to the Orient for spices

2. Wanted fine products of the East (silks and gems)

WANTED NEW AND FASTER TRADE ROUTES!

COLUMBUS

• Wanted to use money from new lands to fight the Muslims who were invading Europe

• Was from Italy, but couldn’t get support there

• Spain supported his voyage

Columbus

Queen Isabella King Ferdinand

Columbus’ proposed route

Columbus

• Left in 1492• Traveled for two months

• Called the island he found San Salvador (Holy Savior) and the people Indians

• Thought he found the Far East

Columbus’ Actual Route

Amerigo Vespucci

• Italian who proved Columbus had found a new world

• It was names “America” after him

Amerigo Vespucci

What happened to the “Indians”?

• The Spanish enslaved or killed many of them

• Fell prey to foreign germs and diseases

What do you see?

What do you see?