4.1 Technological Innovations

• Who described the use of the magnetic compass for navigation?

  Alexander Neckham
• What was the primary purpose of the magnetic compass?


  To steer a ship in the right direction
• What invention improved navigation by allowing sailors to find their latitude?

  The astrolabe
• What was the significance of the caravel in maritime exploration?


  It allowed sailors to survive storms at sea better than earlier ships
• How did cartography improve navigation during this period?


  It enhanced mapmaking and knowledge of currents and wind patterns
• What demographic pressures contributed to European exploration and trade?


  Population growth and limited opportunities for work and land ownership
• What were the two main motives for European involvement in the Indian Ocean trade in the 16th century?

  Wealth and new converts
• What role did the Portuguese play in the Indian Ocean trade?


  They set up forts in Oman and competed with Middle Eastern traders
• What goods did European traders obtain from the Americas?

  Sugar, tobacco, and rum
• What was the primary direction-finding device used in navigation?


  The compass
• How did the lateen sail improve navigation and trade?


  It allowed ships to catch wind on either side and travel in different directions
• What were the three types of ships mentioned, and what were their primary uses?

  • Carrack: 150 feet, square and lateen sails, used for trade, primarily by Portugal (14th to 17th century)
  • Caravel: 75 feet, lateen sails on 2 or 3 masts, used for long voyages at great speed, primarily by Portuguese and Spanish (15th to 17th century)
  • Fluyt: 80 feet, square sails on 2 or 3 masts, used for trade, primarily by the Dutch (16th to 17th century)
• What was the long-term result of combining navigational techniques from Europe and other areas?

  A rapid expansion of exploration and global trade
• What invention from China aided Europeans in their conquests abroad?

  Gunpowder
• How did Islam spread rapidly in North Africa and along Africa's east coast?


  Through the growth of the Abbasid Empire and the activities of Muslim merchants
• Who was the leading European figure in the development of naval technology during this period?

  Prince Henry the Navigator
• What was the significance of Newton's discovery of gravitation for sailors?


  It allowed sailors to predict tides and navigate more safely
• How did the introduction of telescopes impact astronomical charting?


  It allowed for more accurate mapping of stars and constellations
• What was the purpose of astronomical charts in navigation?


  To guide ships' direction using the stars
• What was the role of women in Southeast Asian trade during European interactions?


  They conducted most of the business, handling markets and money-changing
• How did the Omani-European rivalry influence Christopher Columbus's explorations?


  It motivated him to search for a new route to India
• What was the primary use of the astrolabe in navigation?


  To determine how far north or south sailors were from the equator
• What was the impact of the demographic shift in Europe during the period from 1450 to 1750?


  It led to increased exploration and settlement in new areas
• How did the combination of European and Islamic navigational knowledge affect maritime exploration?


  It led to advancements in sailing techniques and ship design
• What was the significance of the Indian Ocean trade routes before European involvement?


  They brought silk, spices, and tea to the Mediterranean
• What was the role of classical Greek sailing traditions in European maritime development?


  They provided foundational knowledge for navigation
• How did the introduction of new ship designs affect trade routes?


  It allowed for more efficient and safer travel across oceans
• What was the primary purpose of the lateen sail?


  To allow ships to sail in different directions by catching wind
• How did the combination of navigational techniques from different cultures impact global trade?


  It led to a rapid expansion of exploration and trade networks
• What was the impact of Peter the Great's visit to Western Europe on Russia?


  It led to the hiring of technicians to improve Russia's military and naval power
• What was the role of the Abbasid Empire in the spread of Islam in Africa?


  It facilitated trade and cultural exchanges that spread Islam
• How did the introduction of gunpowder affect European conquests?


  It aided Europeans in their military conquests abroad
• What were the long-term effects of technological innovations on global trade?

  They transformed Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, France, and Holland into maritime empires