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Lecture Notes: The Challenges and Experiences
of Early Transatlantic Travel
Introduction
• Modern travel vs. historical sea voyages
• Modern travelers often face minor discomforts compared to historical
sea voyages.
• Historical travelers faced extreme hardships while crossing the
Atlantic Ocean.
Historical Account: Gottlieb Nittleberger
• Nittleberger’s journey from Europe to Philadelphia
• The voyage could take 8-12 weeks.
• Passengers experienced severe conditions: stench, disease, vermin,
and lack of food and water.
• Emotional and physical distress was common.
• Nittleberger provided spiritual support, conducted baptisms, and held
services.
The Atlantic Ocean: A Daunting Barrier
• Atlantic’s width: 1769 miles (Brazil to Liberia) to 3000 miles (US to North
Africa)
• Known for its harsh conditions compared to calmer seas like the Indian
Ocean.
-
Advances in Shipbuilding
• Need for maneuverable ships with larger cargo capacity.
• Influence from Muslim shipbuilding techniques.
• Development of the Caravel by Portuguese sailors.
• Features: triangular sails, stern castle, maneuverability.
The Age of Exploration
Lecture Notes: The Challenges and Experiences
of Early Transatlantic Travel
Introduction
• Modern travel vs. historical sea voyages
• Modern travelers often face minor discomforts compared to historical
sea voyages.
• Historical travelers faced extreme hardships while crossing the
Atlantic Ocean.
Historical Account: Gottlieb Nittleberger
• Nittleberger’s journey from Europe to Philadelphia
• The voyage could take 8-12 weeks.
• Passengers experienced severe conditions: stench, disease, vermin,
and lack of food and water.
• Emotional and physical distress was common.
• Nittleberger provided spiritual support, conducted baptisms, and held
services.
The Atlantic Ocean: A Daunting Barrier
• Atlantic’s width: 1769 miles (Brazil to Liberia) to 3000 miles (US to North
Africa)
• Known for its harsh conditions compared to calmer seas like the Indian
Ocean.
-
Advances in Shipbuilding
• Need for maneuverable ships with larger cargo capacity.
• Influence from Muslim shipbuilding techniques.
• Development of the Caravel by Portuguese sailors.
• Features: triangular sails, stern castle, maneuverability.
The Age of Exploration
