Heimler's History: AP World History - Unit 4 Overview
Time Period: 1450-1750
- Focus on the transition from land-based empires to sea-based empires.
Key Concepts
Maritime Empires
- Definition: Related to the sea, crucial for understanding sea-based empire growth.
- Importance: Essential for AP exam success.
Growth of Maritime Empires
- Unlike land-based empires, which grew through gunpowder, maritime empires expanded through technological advancements.
European Motivation
- Europeans were dependent on the Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade.
- Control by Muslims over ports and land made independent European trade difficult.
- Europeans sought alternative routes to Asia, looking westward across the Atlantic.
Technological Advancements
Inherited Knowledge
- Wind Patterns: Accurate records benefited navigation.
- Astronomical Charts: Detailed maps of stars for navigation.
- Instruments:
- Astrolabe: Measures latitude.
- Magnetic Compass: Directional guidance using Earth’s magnetic field.
- Lateen Sail: Triangular sail that catches wind from both sides, improving ship maneuverability.
Maritime Innovations
Portuguese
- Caravel:
- Smaller, faster, highly navigable ships for coastal and river exploration.
- Combined square and lateen sails.
- Capable of carrying large amounts of cargo.
Dutch
- Fluyt:
- Designed exclusively for trade, not warfare.
- Featured large cargo bays and smaller required crews.
- Cost-effective, providing a competitive edge in trade.
Impact on European Trade
- Technological advancements led to the rapid expansion of European trade between 1450-1750.
Use of Gunpowder
- Although not the primary means of growth, gunpowder was used to dominate maritime trade and warfare.
Conclusion
- Understanding these technological advancements and their impact is crucial for mastering Unit 4 Topic 1.
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These notes summarize the lecture content and highlight the main points for study and exam preparation.