which of the following analyzes the events that led to the expansion of Europe during the 12th and 13th century’s
The Crusades and their impact on European exploration and trade.
The process of expansion that took place in Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries was influenced by several factors. Here are some key events and developments that contributed to this expansion:
1. The Crusades: The Crusades, a series of religious wars, played a significant role in Europe's expansion during this period. The Crusaders sought to gain control of the Holy Land (modern-day Israel and Palestine) and launched military campaigns that resulted in the establishment of European kingdoms and settlements in the Levant.
2. Economic Factors: The expansion of trade and commerce greatly influenced Europe's expansion. The growth of urban centers and the development of a money-based economy created new opportunities for trade, leading to the establishment of merchant guilds and the growth of commercial cities. This economic growth and the desire for new markets and resources motivated European explorers and traders.
3. Technological Advances: Technological advancements in shipbuilding and navigation played a crucial role in Europe's expansion. The invention of the compass and improvements in ship design, such as the adoption of the lateen sail, allowed European sailors to venture further and explore new lands.
4. Reconquista: The Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule, played a significant role in expanding Europe's influence in the 12th and 13th centuries. The various Christian kingdoms in Spain and Portugal gradually regained control over the territories held by Muslim rulers, leading to the establishment of Christian states and the colonization of new lands.
5. Intellectual and Scientific Advances: The Renaissance, a period of intellectual and cultural rebirth, had a profound impact on Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries. Advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and geography contributed to the European exploration and expansion. Scholars like Gerbert of Aurillac (later Pope Sylvester II) introduced Arabic numerals and improved astronomical instruments, laying the foundation for future explorations.
It is important to note that these factors are interconnected and often influenced one another. The events and developments of the 12th and 13th centuries set the stage for future European expansion, laying the foundations for the Age of Exploration in the following centuries.