,Topic 4.1: Technological Innovations from 1450-1750
Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and
technological advances that have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and
unintended consequences.
● Knowledge, scientific learning, and technology from Classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds spread,
facilitating European technological developments and innovation.
What is it? How did it help travel?
● A triangular sail set on a long yard at an angle, allowing it to catch wind from
Lateen sail multiple sides.
● This sail was important because it revolutionized navigation and trade by
improving ship speed and range.
● A navigation tool that utilizes the Earth’s magnetic field for direction.
Compass ● The compass was important because it allowed for accurate direction and
aided sailors and trade.
● Astronomical charts are celestial maps that display different celestial bodies
Astronomical charts such as stars and planets.
● These charts were important because they acted as calendars, tools for
timekeeping and navigation; and aided with agriculture, navigation and
mapping.
● 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 transoceanic travel and trade
possible.
What is it? How did it make traveling easier?
● A small, fast sailing ship able to sail against winds and withstand long voyages.
Caravel
● A large ship with multiple masts and a large cargo capacity.
Carrack ● Carracks made travel easier by allowing for long voyages and having the ability to
withstand heavy seas.
● A Dutch cargo ship.
Fluyt ● The fluyt made travel easier because of its design,which maximized cargo space and
allowed access to more ports and rivers.
Topic 4.2: Exploration: Causes & Events from 1450-1750
Governance
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments
maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments
obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
● New state-supported transoceanic maritime exploration occurred in this period.
, Economics Systems
As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume
goods and services
● Portuguese development of maritime technology and navigational skills led to increased travel to and
trade with Africa and Asia and resulted in the construction of a global trading-post empire.
(Hint: Use the website “History Haven” to answer the questions below! Read the sections under Key Concept 4.1)
Why was Portugal the first European country to embark on an exploration program?
Portugal was the first European country to embark on an exploration program because of its geography, political stability,
and investments in maritime technology. Portugal was also unharmed by Europe’s 100 Years war and Spain’s civil strife.
What were 2 reasons that motivated Prince Henry to travel to western Africa?
Prince Henry’s desire for Africa’s gold and heathen conversion to Christianity motivated the journey to Western Africa.
What did the Portuguese do in order to try to create a trading-post empire?
To create a trading-post empire, the Portuguese attempted to dominate trade in the Indian Ocean through military and
intimidation tactics to create a trading-post empire.
● Spanish sponsorship of the voyages of Columbus and subsequent voyages across the Atlantic
& Pacific dramatically increased European interest in transoceanic travel and trade.
What country sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus?
Spain sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus.
Why were Columbus’ travels so important for the world at the time? (What did they start?)
Columbus’ travels were important for the world at the time because it sparked the Columbian Exchange and
connected Afro-Eurasia and the Americas, also known as the “Old World” and “New World.”p
● Northern Atlantic crossings were undertaken under English, French and Dutch sponsorship,
often with the goal of finding alternative sailing routes to Asia.
Explorer Sponsored by “Discovery”/Accomplishment
● Portugal ● The first European to find a direct sea route from
Vasco Da Gama (King Europe to India by sailing around Africa’s Cape of
Manuel I) Good Hope.
● Spain ● Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth and
Ferdinand Magellan (King discovered the strait connecting the Pacific and
Charles I) Atlantic, called the Magellan Strait.
● France ● Discovered and mapped northeastern North America,
Samuel de Champlain (King established New France, founded Quebec City and
Henry IV/ more.
King Louis
XIII)
● Britain
James Cook (Royal ● Mapped vast areas of the Pacific, discovered islands
Navy/ like Hawaii, charted Australia’s east coast and
Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and
technological advances that have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and
unintended consequences.
● Knowledge, scientific learning, and technology from Classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds spread,
facilitating European technological developments and innovation.
What is it? How did it help travel?
● A triangular sail set on a long yard at an angle, allowing it to catch wind from
Lateen sail multiple sides.
● This sail was important because it revolutionized navigation and trade by
improving ship speed and range.
● A navigation tool that utilizes the Earth’s magnetic field for direction.
Compass ● The compass was important because it allowed for accurate direction and
aided sailors and trade.
● Astronomical charts are celestial maps that display different celestial bodies
Astronomical charts such as stars and planets.
● These charts were important because they acted as calendars, tools for
timekeeping and navigation; and aided with agriculture, navigation and
mapping.
● 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 transoceanic travel and trade
possible.
What is it? How did it make traveling easier?
● A small, fast sailing ship able to sail against winds and withstand long voyages.
Caravel
● A large ship with multiple masts and a large cargo capacity.
Carrack ● Carracks made travel easier by allowing for long voyages and having the ability to
withstand heavy seas.
● A Dutch cargo ship.
Fluyt ● The fluyt made travel easier because of its design,which maximized cargo space and
allowed access to more ports and rivers.
Topic 4.2: Exploration: Causes & Events from 1450-1750
Governance
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments
maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments
obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
● New state-supported transoceanic maritime exploration occurred in this period.
, Economics Systems
As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume
goods and services
● Portuguese development of maritime technology and navigational skills led to increased travel to and
trade with Africa and Asia and resulted in the construction of a global trading-post empire.
(Hint: Use the website “History Haven” to answer the questions below! Read the sections under Key Concept 4.1)
Why was Portugal the first European country to embark on an exploration program?
Portugal was the first European country to embark on an exploration program because of its geography, political stability,
and investments in maritime technology. Portugal was also unharmed by Europe’s 100 Years war and Spain’s civil strife.
What were 2 reasons that motivated Prince Henry to travel to western Africa?
Prince Henry’s desire for Africa’s gold and heathen conversion to Christianity motivated the journey to Western Africa.
What did the Portuguese do in order to try to create a trading-post empire?
To create a trading-post empire, the Portuguese attempted to dominate trade in the Indian Ocean through military and
intimidation tactics to create a trading-post empire.
● Spanish sponsorship of the voyages of Columbus and subsequent voyages across the Atlantic
& Pacific dramatically increased European interest in transoceanic travel and trade.
What country sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus?
Spain sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus.
Why were Columbus’ travels so important for the world at the time? (What did they start?)
Columbus’ travels were important for the world at the time because it sparked the Columbian Exchange and
connected Afro-Eurasia and the Americas, also known as the “Old World” and “New World.”p
● Northern Atlantic crossings were undertaken under English, French and Dutch sponsorship,
often with the goal of finding alternative sailing routes to Asia.
Explorer Sponsored by “Discovery”/Accomplishment
● Portugal ● The first European to find a direct sea route from
Vasco Da Gama (King Europe to India by sailing around Africa’s Cape of
Manuel I) Good Hope.
● Spain ● Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth and
Ferdinand Magellan (King discovered the strait connecting the Pacific and
Charles I) Atlantic, called the Magellan Strait.
● France ● Discovered and mapped northeastern North America,
Samuel de Champlain (King established New France, founded Quebec City and
Henry IV/ more.
King Louis
XIII)
● Britain
James Cook (Royal ● Mapped vast areas of the Pacific, discovered islands
Navy/ like Hawaii, charted Australia’s east coast and
