The Wenz Academy - 4.1 Technological Innovations from 1450

Europe didn’t wake up one day and decide to go sailing. The technology and science behind the instruments/techniques used by the Europeans during the transoceanic maritime reconnaissance was the result of centuries of Greek, Arab, Persian, Indian and Chinese advances. This new amalgamation of innovation allowed the Europeans to leave their little continent and go global. The effects of these voyages will play out over the next few eras, but for now; these are the new technological innovations of the Early Modern Period…

AMSCO Chapter 4.1

4.1 CED (AP's Required Content)

4.1 Long Read: COLUMBUS'S SHIPS

Objective:
A. Explain how cross-cultural interactions resulted in the diffusion of technology and facilitated changes in patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750.

Theme:
A. TEC (Technology and Innovation)

Skills:

E. TEC
Explain how cross-cultural interactions resulted in the diffusion of technology and facilitated changes in patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750.

Historical Development
As Europeans expanded their knowledge in science and technology from the Classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds it facilitated their technological innovation. The developments included the production of new tools, innovations in ship designs; such as the caravel, carrack, and the fluyt. Lastly, Europeans used ancient tools such as the astrolabe, compass and astronomical charts; also improved understanding of regional wind and currents patterns—all of which made transoceanic travel and trade possible.