The Age of Exploration Setting Sail

Timeline 1350 – The Black Death ends in Europe 1400 – Printing Press is invented (Gutenberg) 1428 – The Aztec Empire is founded. 1490 – The Reconquista ends 1492 – Columbus Sails and reaches the Americas on October 2

What was the Black Death? European merchants returning from Asia brought the bubonic plague with them. Led to an epidemic called the Black Death. Lasted from 1348 to 1350. Killed b/t 25 and 30 million people.

A major change in the economy. Began when merchants became more interested in making a profit. Merchants wanted to build capital – money that is used to make more money. Merchants also created joint-stock companies, or group investments. These trends: 1) put more focus on making profits, 2) expanded trade, and 3) increased capital.

What events led to an interest in overseas trade? The Renaissance New technologies like the astrolabe New desire to explore for the sake of gaining knowledge. The Commercial Revolution and rising prices in trade. The desire of rising nation-states to become self-sufficient

A growing monopoly spurs overseas exploration. The merchants of Italy had a monopoly (sole economic control) on the Asian trade market Could therefore raise their prices as they saw fit The silk road trade route from Eur. To Asia had become dangerous due to increasing hostilities b/t Christians and Muslims

The first to explore. The Portuguese Prince Henry (the Navigator) His accomplishments Founded a school for sailing Developed the Caravel (a small ship built to move quickly and handle well) Pail sailors to explore.

Bartolomeu Dias Portuguese explorer The first to sail around the southern tip of Africa. The Cape of Good Hope. Explored the west coast of Africa and established trading and supply posts along the way. Bargained for gold, ivory, and slaves. The Portuguese slave trade was exceptionally brutal.

Assignment Assemble into pairs Draft a cartoon that shows the changes that occurred as a result of the Commercial Revolution. Use your notes and text to help you. Minimum of 3 frames and a maximum of 5 You have 40 minutes to finish.