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Drivers of Change in the First Global Age. Drivers of Change in 1400s. Trade – quest for wealth in gold and spice trade Religion – Islam and Christianity Urbanization – rise of cities in Europe Technology – Caravel and Galleon Ships, Navigation Devices, Printing press
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Drivers of Change in 1400s • Trade – quest for wealth in gold and spice trade • Religion – Islam and Christianity • Urbanization – rise of cities in Europe • Technology – Caravel and Galleon Ships, Navigation Devices, Printing press • Politics – Fall of Mogul Empire, Strengthening of unitary European monarchies,
Trade: Asia and Africa 1400s • While Europe was in the Middle Ages, peoples of Africa, Asia and the Middle East were connected by land and sea trade routes. • Arab merchants played a large role in the growing trade = Middle East was crossroads • Sailed along Indian Ocean • Traveled along the SILK ROAD = overland routes that linked China to the Middle East
Trade: African Trading States West Africa - Long trade routes crossed the Sahara desert in Africa linking West Africa to North Africa • Mali and Songhai most powerful kingdoms East Coast of Africa was trading center also • Gold from Zimbabwe (inland) was carried to the coast and carried by ship to India and China
Mansa Musa on Throne in Mali Mansa Musa – Muslim Ruler of Mali Immense Wealth caused stir in Europe – where did his gold come from? “So abundant is the gold in his country that this lord is the richest and most noble king in all the land” – Spanish Atlas 1375
Trade: Europe in 1300s • Marco Polo traveled throughout Asia from 1271 to 1295. • Recorded his travels and journey in The Travels of Marco Polo which was widely read by Europeans thanks to the invention of the printing press. • Polo’s book described the exotic foods, spices and other merchandise of Asia. Adventurers and businessmen wanted to share in the wealth.
Trade: Europe and the Mongol Empire • Marco Polo befriended Kublai Khan – ruler of the Mongol Empire. (Mongolia and Siberia) • Europeans given free pass to travel and trade along overland routes between Europe, the Middle East and Asia
Trade: Europe and the Fall of the Mongol Empire • End of the 14th century, the Mongol Empire collapsed. • Persian and Muslim rulers blocked European merchants from using overland routes to Asia – history of conflict and animosity between European Christians and Muslims (Crusades) • Europeans need a NEW route to Asia = water!!
Trade: Portugal’s rise to fame • Early leader in search for Water Route to Asia and the source of Africa’s gold. • Prince Henry the Navigator sent captains exploring the West Coast of Africa • 1497 – Vasco da Gama rounded southern tip of Africa and sailed to India.
Trade: Other Nations Join Race • Portugal controlled trade with African coastal nations….Italy commanded trade in Mediterranean……soooooo • Spain looks West Across Atlantic for trade route. • Dominates Central and South America thanks to Columbus’ Voyages • By the end of the 1500s, England, France and Holland must focus on finding a “Northwest Passage” – a water route THROUGH North America to the Pacific Ocean
Religion: Spread of Islam • Islam- founded in the 600’s by Muhammad. After his death in 632, Islam spread across North Africa, into Spain, from Persia to India and beyond.
Religion: Christian Crusades • Crusades 1095-1270 – holy wars fought by European Christians against Muslims to control Holy Land • Helped bring Europe out of Middle Ages and into the Renaissance (1400-1600s) • Introduced Europeans to food, spices, silks, and luxuries from Asia.
Urbanization • Europe moved from Feudal society where life revolved around the Manor to a more urban landscape • Kings built strong nation-states and brought feudal lords under their control which opened opportunities for businessmen • Cities began to grow
Technology • 1430s – Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press • Books were previously copies by hand – illuminated text • Large numbers of books could now be produced at a l0w cost = more people reading and learning spreads
Technology - Navigation • Navigation tools including the magnetic compass, astrolabe developed to help captains • Portugal invented the Caravel ship – triangular sails and steering rudder allowed captains to steer into the wind • Galleon – large multi-deck sailing vessel
Politics • Monarchs in England and France bring feudal lords under control bringing law and order to society • England and France, Spain and Portugal • Portugal and Spain drive out Muslim rulers
Politics – Spain expels Moors • In the 8th century, North African Muslim Moors conquered Spain. • 1492 – Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain finally managed to drive last of the Moors out of last Muslim stronghold of Grenada • Able to start investing in overseas exploration Alhambra Palace