Technological Innovations from 1450 to 1750 CE
Driving Question: How did cross-cultural interactions facilitate innovations in technology and how did these ideas impact exploration and trade?
From cartography to gunpowder to astronomy, European exploration would never have been possible without the scientific developments, technology, and extensive trade networks between the people of Afro-Eurasia. In this lesson, you will consider how centuries of knowledge came together to initiate the dawn of the First Global Age.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how cross-cultural interactions resulted in the diffusion of technology and facilitated changes in patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750 CE.
- Analyze primary sources to evaluate how innovations in technology impacted exploration and trade from c. 1450 to 1750 CE.
Vocab Terms:
- astrolabe
- caravel
- carrack
- compass
- innovation
- lateen sail
Opener: Technological Innovations
You probably use a lot of technology in your everyday life. What was considered technology in 1450 CE? And what impacts did that technology have?
Technology in the Age of Exploration
As a kid, did you ever look out at the ocean and wonder what was on the other side? Although we have a million ways to know now, imagine what it was like being on the cusp of first finding out! What would you look for? What would you hope to find?
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- How did new technologies in the fifteenth century make long-distance ocean travel easier?
- In what ways did the quadrant serve multiple purposes?
- What was the importance of the astrolabe in navigation during the Age of Exploration?
- In what ways did ships improve during the Age of Exploration?
After you read
Respond to the following questions:
- In what ways did global trade in the Age of Exploration facilitate the spread of new technologies?
Source Collection: Trade and Technology
How did cross-cultural interactions facilitate innovations in technology and how did these ideas impact exploration and trade? Use the Quick-Sourcing Tool to help you analyze these excerpts.
Closer: Technological Innovation
So what did you learn? How did cross-cultural interactions facilitate innovations in technology and how did these ideas impact exploration and trade?
