Unit II: Contact: Europe and America Meet, 1492-1673

Question/Problem 1:What were the geographic, economic, technological, personal, and political factors between the Crusades and 1492 that coused the Europeans to explore?

No one can ever thoroughly explain what causes someone to leave the familiar spaces of home in order to face the unknown. The desire to explore has been felt ever since people began to wonder what lies around the next corner. There is always the po ssibility that they will find something wonderful, new, and exciting. There is also the chance that an explorer will face many difficulties and dangers. Today, we know much about the world around us but early explorers were confronted with many unknowns . They prepared carefully in order to minimize the dangers. Exploration required a sturdy ship and a dependable crew. The success of the voyage also depended on the right equipment, supplies and information. As important as these things were, the spec ial qualities of the leader determined the success or failure of the voyage.

What are the personal characteristics of someone who might become an explorer?