Seabased Empires: 1450-1750

Introduction

• Development of European seabased empires (1450-1750)
• Shift in global power from land-based to sea-based empires

Key Maritime Technologies

1. Magnetic Compass

   • Originated in China
   • Allowed sailors to navigate direction accurately

2. Astrolabe

   • Possibly developed by Arabs or Greeks
   • Enabled ships to determine latitude and longitude by measuring stars

3. Lanteen Sail

   • Developed by Arab merchants
   • Triangular sail allowing more precise sailing

4. Astronomical Charts

   • Detailed diagrams of stars and constellations
   • Muslims played a significant role in their development, building on Greek astronomy

Important Note

• Europeans adopted these technologies, they did not invent them
• These technologies were gained largely through merchant activity and trade routes

European Innovations in Shipbuilding

1. Portuguese Caravel

   • Smaller, nimble ships
   • Enabled easier navigation through shallow coastal and inland river areas
   • Equipped with cannons for combat

2. Portuguese Carrack

   • Developed for larger cargo capacity
   • Equipped with more guns, crucial for dominance in Indian Ocean trade

3. Dutch Fluyt

   • Designed exclusively for trade
   • Large cargo holds, small required crew
   • Cost-effective due to innovative Dutch shipbuilding tools
   • By the mid-17th century, responsible for half of Europe's shipping tonnage

Summary

• European seabased empires gained power through adoption of maritime technologies and innovations in shipbuilding
• Key players included Portuguese and Dutch, with significant impacts on global trade and power dynamics
• Europeans' ability to adopt and innovate led to their dominance on the seas during this period

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Additional Resources

• Check the AP World Heimler Review Guide for more resources on unit reviews, practice questions, and exam preparation.