TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION &

EXPLORATION INNOVATION

The Renaissance

THROUGHOUT THE RENAISSANCE THERE WERE MANY TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS, WE WILL LOOK AT A

FEW THAT HAVE HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON SOCIETY THEN, AND HAVE HELPED

SHAPE THE WAY WE LIVE TODAY.

Technology

Developed in the 1450’s by Johann Gutenberg

The press changed the means of literature production, and made books, doctrines, and the Bible much more accessible to the general public.

The Bible was the first book to be mass produced, it is know as the 42 line Bible because that is the number of lines on each page.

The Printing Presshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phD0pEaczzg&feature=related

Impact of the Printing press on society;

Gutenberg’s invention had an astounding impact on society. The Renaissance was already a time of inquisition and questioning of the norms of everyday life.

The Printing Press allowed the public to have access to literature that would inform on societal issues such as religion, politics, and education.

People no longer had to rely on church officials and scholars to read to them.

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Gunpowder

MusketsMuskets became much more effective than the traditional weapons of Knights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dibdwn1fByc

CannonCannons, allowed soldiers to attack and defend from a distance. Cannons also were used on ships for protection and attacks.

Cannons were also able to penetrate the previously impregnable walls of cities and castles.

ClocksThe First mechanical clock

was invented in the early 1300’s, but it was Italian scientist Galileo that discovered the pendulum in 1581. The pendulum improved the consistency of clocks ability to keep time. Before the pendulum there would be variances of up to 15 minutes a day, with the pendulum variance was only by seconds per day.

CLOCKSClocks and the invention on the pendulum created a consistent measure of time; following the 24 hour day.

Monastic Influence

Keeping time was associated with monks, who had to perform regular, daily duties, at specific points in the day. Traditionally, Medieval Europeans were content with 12 hours of daytime, and 12 hours of nighttime. Although at this point , hours were varied due to sunlight!

The Astrolabehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_5L_X2JOjI

An Astrolabe was an ancient astronomical computer that would aid in solving problems relating to the position of the Sun and the stars in the sky. The Astrolabe helped sailors to determine their latitudinal position.

AstrolabeBy using this tool sailors would be able to determine their position in the sea.

The tool was used by comparing the sun and stars relative to the horizon as a means of determining longitudinal position.

Magnetic Compass

Though the compass did exist, it was during this period that many refinements were created. The compass went through a major change when a magnetic needle was suspended in a manner that it would stay in place while being moved around on a ship.

CompassNavigators were able to utilize the north and south magnetic fields of the earth to understand their direction headed.

The compass is still an invaluable tool for navigation.

Innovations in shipbuilding

Innovations in shipbuilding was another key factor in exploration. Ships were now larger and powered by many sails and a larger rudder a stern, as opposed to previous ships being powered by men and oars. This innovation made long journeys possible and more efficient.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiLgpldU4JY&feature=related

ShipsShips are now powered by more sails, utilizing the trade winds of the seas.

The stern rudder is another key aspect of Renaissance ships.

Ships

The Caravel is a typical ship from the late Medieval period. Columbus has three Caravels in his initial voyage to the Americas.