The Europeans Chapter 1 Section 2

 Largely based on agriculture  More food = Cheaper food = More people  Cities were growing rapidly as a result Europe’s Economy

 Extreme difference between wealthy class and the impoverished  Aristocrats = most prestigious  Those who inherited social rank & title & owned large estates worked by peasants.  Great Merchants = less honored but often wealthier  3/5 were working poor – who rented the land that they worked from aristocrats. Many ended up beggars. A Society of Unequal Classes

 Europe is full of differing cultures  These different peoples made up varying kingdoms  They would wage war on each other in order to gain more land & resources. Warring Kingdoms

 The Crusades and the Expansion of Trade  Muslims defeated the European Crusaders  Long lasting effects that benefitted Europeans  Europeans:  became aware of different lands & different ways of life  came home with new goods & raw materials from the East including silks, gems & spices. Europe Looks Beyond Its Borders

 Renewed interest in learning and the advancement of the arts & sciences  People became interested in the world around them  New inventions  aided people to travel farther than ever before  Allowed people to broaden their intellect  Ex. – The Printing Press – made books quickly & cheaply – as a result, more people became literate. The Renaissance & New Ideas

 Europeans vs Muslims = competition  Both expanded their empires as far as possible Europeans Seek New Trade Routes

 Portugal takes early lead in exploration using the new invention called the “Caravel”  Portugal also expanded the slave trade throughout West Africa. The Portuguese Begin To Explore