Topic 1.6: Technological Advances and the Age of Exploration

Age of Exploration

era of global exploration from the 15th to the 19th century

Gold, Glory, and God

European motives for exploration

Protestant Reformation

religious movement increasing desire to spread Christianity

Jesuits

Catholic group focused on education and missionary work

Mercantilism

economic theory measuring wealth by gold and accumulation

Balance of Trade

exporting more than you import for economic growth

Colonies

lands controlled by parent colonies for resources

Caravel

Fast and strong ship design with increased cargo space; able to sail in open ocean and shallow water

Lateen Sails

triangular sails allowing flexible navigation

Sternpost Rudder

steering device improving ship maneuverability

Astrolabe

instrument for determining latitude at sea

Quadrant

smaller version of the astrolabe for navigation

Compass

device indicating cardinal directions for navigation

Gunpowder Weapons

military technology aiding European conquests

Smallpox

disease that devastated indigenous populations in Americas

Marco Polo

Venetian merchant who detailed Asian travels

Ottoman Empire

controlled trade routes between Europe and Asia

Crusades

religious wars increasing European knowledge of Asia

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

French finance minister promoting strong international trade

Portolani

early maps providing navigation details for captains

Military Technology

advancements aiding European colonial expansion

Canon

artillery used in naval battles

Navigation

science of plotting a ship’s course

Cartography

the making and study of maps