Mr. Dowling
Europeans Look Overseas
To what extent did the Crusades and the Renaissance contribute to European exploration?
Why did Europeans look beyond their borders?
1. Crusades-Christians and Muslims fought a series of wars (1100-1300)for control of the Holy Land.
(Both groups felt it was sacred or holy-Middle East-Jesus and Muhammad the Prophet)
Result-Europeans traveled beyond their small towns and found new foods, silks, clothing, etc.
2. Renaissance-Europeans became curious about the wider world
Portugal-seeks trade route that would avoid Arab merchants and Italian merchants that would take away profits.
Vasco da Gama-passes southern tip of Africa and sailed towards India.