2. The European Americans Life in Europe in the 1400s: Life in Europe in the 1400s: Middle Ages last from the 5 th to the 15 th Century Middle Ages last from the 5 th to the 15 th Century Absence of effective central governments and the constant threat of famine, disease, and foreign invasions. Absence of effective central governments and the constant threat of famine, disease, and foreign invasions.

3. Middle Ages: The Catholic Church strictly controlled intellectual life The Catholic Church strictly controlled intellectual life Those who did scientific discoveries went against the Church teachings risked prosecution for heresy, belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian) doctrine, by Church courts. Those who did scientific discoveries went against the Church teachings risked prosecution for heresy, belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian) doctrine, by Church courts.

5. Crusades: European Christians against Southwest Asian Muslims The goal was to capture and hold Jerusalem and all the holy land where Jesus lived and died. The goal was to capture and hold Jerusalem and all the holy land where Jesus lived and died. In the end the Muslims defeated the Christian Crusaders. In the end the Muslims defeated the Christian Crusaders.

6. Other Lasting EFFECTS of the Crusades that benefited the people of Europe: Europeans became aware of distant lands and different ways of life (Cultures) Europeans became aware of distant lands and different ways of life (Cultures) Crusaders, Europeans, returned home with goods and raw materials from the East: silks, gems, and spices. Crusaders, Europeans, returned home with goods and raw materials from the East: silks, gems, and spices.

8. Renaissance: (mid-1400s) featured a renewed interest in learning and the advancement of the arts and sciences. Trade through the world expanded for Europeans. Trade through the world expanded for Europeans. Printing Press developed so more books could be read. The spread of literature helped promote the daring new ideas of individualism and experimentation. Increased volume of publishing. Printing Press developed so more books could be read. The spread of literature helped promote the daring new ideas of individualism and experimentation. Increased volume of publishing.

10. Europeans were longed for the riches of India and China. Europeans were longed for the riches of India and China. Marco Polo: Italian merchant who traveled across Asia who wrote about the riches he found in Asia (China). Marco Polo: Italian merchant who traveled across Asia who wrote about the riches he found in Asia (China).

13. European expansionists found hope on the Iberian Peninsula of southwestern Europe: European expansionists found hope on the Iberian Peninsula of southwestern Europe: The kingdoms of Aragon, Castile, and Portugal were waging a reconqista (reconquest) to drive out the Muslim Moors who ruled Iberia for centuries. The kingdoms of Aragon, Castile, and Portugal were waging a reconqista (reconquest) to drive out the Muslim Moors who ruled Iberia for centuries.

14. In 1469, the marriage of Prince Ferdinand and Queen Isabella united Aragon and Castile to create “Spain.” In 1469, the marriage of Prince Ferdinand and Queen Isabella united Aragon and Castile to create “Spain.” Ferdinand and Isabella completed the reconquista (reconquest) of the Iberian peninsula to create “Spain.” Ferdinand and Isabella completed the reconquista (reconquest) of the Iberian peninsula to create “Spain.”

15. Facing the Atlantic Ocean and close to Africa, Spain and Portugal were well situated to seek new trade routes and expand European influence. Facing the Atlantic Ocean and close to Africa, Spain and Portugal were well situated to seek new trade routes and expand European influence. Portuguese took the early lead. They relied on several new devices: compass, astrolabe, and the quadrant. These inventions helped sailors navigate. Portuguese took the early lead. They relied on several new devices: compass, astrolabe, and the quadrant. These inventions helped sailors navigate. Better ships were built. The caravel had a stern rudder, three masts, and better sails. Better ships were built. The caravel had a stern rudder, three masts, and better sails.

17. 1419, Prince Henry the Navigator directed Portuguese efforts to sail into the Atlantic to spread Christianity (God), find gold, ivory, and slaves. 1419, Prince Henry the Navigator directed Portuguese efforts to sail into the Atlantic to spread Christianity (God), find gold, ivory, and slaves. He founded a school of navigation. He founded a school of navigation.