Chinese Technologies That Impacted the Europeans
Shoshanah Bicky March 2015
World Civilization Mr. Newman Document 1
Question 1:
Europeans have been impacted by many Chinese technologies like the compass, printing, and cannons. The compass was first invented in the Han Dynasty. During that time a compass consisted of a magnetized needle that was floated in a bowl of water on a piece of wood or suspended by a silk thread. As China was developing its largest navy, Chinese sailors used the compass for navigational purposes. The compass did not come to Europe until the 12th century AD. Europeans then used the compass to navigate through the Silk Road and trade routes. Printing was also a big advancement from the Chinese that Europe evolved. In the year 1450, a man by the name Johannes Gutenberg created the first printing press. Gutenberg used moveable metal pieces to quickly create pages. He made innovations all the way through the printing process enabling pages to be printed at a faster pace. The printing press was a dramatic improvement for Europeans. It allowed books, like the Bible, to be acquired by the middle class and spread knowledge and education like never before. Lastly, the cannon was created in the 13th century in China. The cannon was introduced to Europe via trade routes and travellers soon after it was invented. Europe saw the cannon as the perfect weapon for war because of its small size. Throughout Ancient China, Chinese technologies have not only bettered China’s advancements but have also improved Europe’s growth.
Question 2:
World Civilization Mr. Newman Document 1
Question 1:
Europeans have been impacted by many Chinese technologies like the compass, printing, and cannons. The compass was first invented in the Han Dynasty. During that time a compass consisted of a magnetized needle that was floated in a bowl of water on a piece of wood or suspended by a silk thread. As China was developing its largest navy, Chinese sailors used the compass for navigational purposes. The compass did not come to Europe until the 12th century AD. Europeans then used the compass to navigate through the Silk Road and trade routes. Printing was also a big advancement from the Chinese that Europe evolved. In the year 1450, a man by the name Johannes Gutenberg created the first printing press. Gutenberg used moveable metal pieces to quickly create pages. He made innovations all the way through the printing process enabling pages to be printed at a faster pace. The printing press was a dramatic improvement for Europeans. It allowed books, like the Bible, to be acquired by the middle class and spread knowledge and education like never before. Lastly, the cannon was created in the 13th century in China. The cannon was introduced to Europe via trade routes and travellers soon after it was invented. Europe saw the cannon as the perfect weapon for war because of its small size. Throughout Ancient China, Chinese technologies have not only bettered China’s advancements but have also improved Europe’s growth.
Question 2: