The European World Why Europeans Sought a New World, and a New Life

6 Factors Shaped Europe Feudalism Crusades Growth of Cities/ Money Economy Renaissance Reformation Growth of Technology

Feudalism After Roman Empire fell apart, Viking warriors controlled Northern Europe – pillaged, burned, terrorized To keep stability, feudal lords protected and controlled land/“manors” Serfs were tied to land/ served lords Catholic Church controlled spiritual and daily lives of Christians

Crusades Islam –arose in 600 A.D. –spread across N. Africa, Spain –captured Jerusalem – holy city for Christians, Muslims and Jews Catholic church organized Crusades against Muslims in the middle east ( ) The crusaders lost, but the crusades: –Increased Europeans’ awareness of world –Created demand for Asian goods –Created a shipping/trading industry

Growth of Cities/ Money Economy Crusades/ Marco Polo created demand for foreign goods Merchants set up centers of trade, leading to development of new cities Merchants artisans = new middle class Created a money economy Eventually broke down feudal system Increased power of monarchs

Renaissance - rebirth Rise of Universities led to new curiosity New translations of Greek & Roman works Black Death led to loss of religious faith Wealth of merchants created demand for art Printing press led to greater distribution of knowledge/ literature Created a new drive to know and learn more – to experiment and try out new ideas

Reformation New translations of the Bible, printing press, anger at Church corruption lead to protest against church Martin Luther creates protestant movement Henry VIII/ Elizabeth I make England a protestant nation Leads to creation of a lot of smaller religion groups

Seafaring Technology Portuguese, seeking to develop new trade routes with Asia, sail to & around Africa Develop knowledge of ocean wind patterns Compass, astrolabe & quadrant Greater knowledge of astronomy Creates ability to sail across oceans Creates competition between Portugal & Spain