Chapter 1 essay Question 2

2. During the 1400's Europe was behind compared to the rest of the world. China during the time was the worlds most complex culture and had the most advance technology for that time. Islamic world was expanding its territories greatly and controlled much of trade during this time, while Europe was just starting explore over seas. Europe was so behind because it suffered from severe disadvatanges. Europe's biggest problem was its location. it was on the Atlantic rim of the Eurasian continent which made access to the Asian trade hard and costly. Another problem was that Europe produced very little that Asian traders wanted so as a result they had to pay with silver and gold, which are nonrenewable and resources and becoming scarce. These disadvatages disappeared after the Crusades and the Renaissance. The crusades opened Europe to the Asian Trade market. They were now able to get spices and silks they long wanted. The Renaissance was the rebirth of art, literature and knowledge in Europe. During this time there were agricultural and architectural advances. Advances in agriculture like and improved plowed increased food production and population. they also devoloped new architectural styles such as the Gothic structure. With the invention of the printing press and movable type information started to circulate more. with the circulation of information came improvement in ship design, navigational equipment and gain information on new maritima and military techniques. With all this new information by the 1500's Europe had armies and fleets that can outsail and outfight anyone.