Technology and Columbian Exchange Technology Astrolabe Allows sailors

Technology and Columbian Exchange

Technology • Astrolabe: Allows sailors to determine their latitude or how far north or south of the equator they are • Perfected by the Muslims • Brass Circle with carefully adjusted rings marked off in degrees

Sextant • Replaced the Astrolabe in mid-1700 s • Measured the height of the stars above the horizon • Allowed them to determine latitude and longitude

Compass • Invented by the Chinese • Used by sailors to more accurately track the direction they were headed

Columbian Exchange • The global transfer of foods, plants and animals during the colonization of the Americas • From the Americas: Tomatoes, squash, pineapples, tobacco, and cacao beans. Also sent Turkey • Most important: Corn and potatoes (Healthy and helped sustain larger populations) • From Europe: Horses, cattle, sheep and pigs • From Africa: bananas, black-eyed peas and yams. • Wheat, rice, barley and oats

Negative Effects of the Columbian Exchange • Disease brought to the new world: smallpox and measles • Led to the death of millions of Native Americans • Other diseases: influenza, typhus, malaria and diphtheria

Global Trade • Leads to the rise of Capitalism: Private ownership • Joint-Stock Companies: Modern-day corporations- investors buying shares of stock in a company • Combining wealth from a common purpose: American Colonization • Mercantilism: Power depended mainly on its wealth • Balance of Trade • Have as much gold and silver as possible • Favorable Balance of Trade