The Age of Exploration and Global Exchange

History is telling a story about the past. Before thinking about the past, we begin by examining the elements of a story and why stories are so important to us a humans.

Previously we examined how stories are constructed and how they communicate the author's perspective, meaning or a point of view through a theme. History is telling a story, but its meaning for us can be understood in a variety of ways. We are the characters in the story trying to make sense of what it means for how we live. When thinking about the theme of history, we can only ask questions and discuss its meaning for us. We must develop arguments based on the evidence of the past. For this unit we will discuss Columbus Day and whether it should be a commemorated holiday on our national calendar.

Supplemental Readings

Setting: What was the world like before Exploration?

Having identified the outline of the unit's story and the thematic question for our unit, we begin examining the setting for the Age of Exploration. We examine what trade was like during the Middle Ages by tracing the movement of one valuable item, porcelain.

Trade in the Medieval World was focused primarily around Asian goods. The class examines how the Crusades had the unexpected outcome of moving Europe towards the Renaissance by exposing them to the cultures of Asia.

The Crusades opened Europe to new goods from Asia and transformed European society. Students examine how trade challenged feudal society and how new wealth opened up new horizons.

Conflict: What prompted European exploration?

With European desire for Asian goods and increasing conflict with the Muslim Turks through Crusades, the stage is set for the obstacle that will lead to European exploration. Students examine the importance of Constantinople through a video segment of Mankind: The Story of All of Us (17:40-33:20).

Plot: How did Europeans access Asian markets?

Characters: Who were important figures in exploration?

Resolution: What was the impact of exploration upon the world?

Theme: What is the relevance of the story for us?

In this final lesson after having examined the motivations and actions of explorers, we turn to the difference between history and the meaning we give it. We insert our circumstances and values into characters of the past. In retelling their stories we create new meaning and even mythologies. The historical events get lost and the mythology become more powerful than the reality. The Eurocentric mythology around Columbus is now being reconsidered by the perspectives of Native Americans.