AP World Unit 4.1

Technological Innovations

Advancements that improved exploration and navigation during the Age of Discovery.

Magnetic Compass

An instrument that shows the direction of magnetic north, crucial for navigation.

Astrolabe

An instrument developed by Muslim navigators allowing sailors to determine their latitude.

Caravel

A small, fast ship developed by the Portuguese, equipped to survive rough seas.

Cartography

The art and science of map-making that improved navigation.

Primogeniture Laws

Legal rules that allow the eldest son to inherit all of a family's estate.

Maritime Empires

Empires that are based primarily on sea travel and trade.

Lateen Sail

A triangular sail that allowed ships to sail more effectively and in multiple directions.

Fluyt

A type of ship designed specifically for trade, used by the Dutch in the 16th to 17th centuries.

Gunpowder

An explosive material invented in China, used by Europeans in warfare and piracy.

Omani-European Rivalry

Competition between Omani traders and European powers in the Indian Ocean.

Astronomical Chart

Maps of the stars used by sailors for navigation before the compass was introduced.

Demographic Pressures

Population growth leading to exploration and migration as people sought work and opportunity.

Transoceanic Travel and Trade

Long-distance trade and travel across oceans, particularly initiated by Europeans.

Newton's Discovery of Gravitation

A scientific discovery that improved understanding of tides and sailing safety.