The “Old World” Enters the “New World”
Mr. Kemper
Metaphorically speaking, the world in the year 1450 A.D. was a pretty small place. Tribal
people of the Americas were living off the land and resources of the homeland that had been theirs
since the last Ice Age, sometimes referred to as “time immemorial.” The First Americans survived and
thrived through the resourceful use of the land. Hundreds of unique tribal cultures developed
independently of one another, formed trade alliances when needed, and fought one another when
necessary. Tribal Americans were unaware of the world outside their homelands.
The Renaissance world of Europe was growing. People became curious about other cultures,
they began exploring the universe in a scientific way, and they began expressing themselves through
increasingly sophisticated artistic and architectural pursuits. But still, the world they knew consisted
only of Europe, Asia, Africa, the East Indies, and Australia. For them, the Americas did not exist.
Europeans looked more and more toward the riches of the East for profit. India, China, and the
East Indies were a treasure-trove of spices, precious gems, porcelain, and silks. European merchants
realized extraordinary profits as they travelled to the East for valuable luxury items, returned the items
to Europe, and sold them. A cut of European profit, though, was taken by Middle Eastern middle-men.
The Turks who controlled the Middle East region would not allow European merchants to pass through
their territory without paying a toll – gold, Eastern goods, or even life.
To circumvent the Middle Eastern toll-masters, Europeans sought alternative routes to the East.
By sail, they traveled around the Horn of Africa. This route was slow, dangerous, and costly. The
mountainous northerly route through northern Asia was also slow, dangerous, and costly. Christopher
Columbus proposed sailing westward instead. Like other educated navigators of his time, Columbus
knew that the earth is round. Therefore, by sailing westward, a ship from Europe would eventually
reach Asia. What Columbus did not know, of course, was that the Americas stood between Europe and
Asia.
So, when Columbus reached land after sailing southwest from Europe, he thought he was in
India. Therefore, he called the native people he met “Indians.” He and other explorers after him
scoured the lands for riches to bring back to Europe for profit and fame. Eventually, of course,
Europeans realized that the land west of Europe was a “new” land previously unknown to them. Their
hope to find riches in the “new” land, however, did not end. The powerful nations of Europe raced to
the Americas in search of valuable resources to bring back home. They also raced to lay claim on this
“newly discovered” land. Territories were established, then colonies. In time, Europeans came to the
Americas not just to profit from trade, but also to settle permanently. Europeans eventually looked to
the Americas as a place for a new beginning, expanded opportunities, and religious freedom.
Copy and complete each statement below.
1. The world for a Native American in the year 1450 A.D. could be considered a pretty small place because ___.
2. The world for a European in the year 1450 A.D. could be considered a pretty small place because ___.
3. Renaissance Europe can be described as ___
4. During the Renaissance, Europeans were interested in the East because ___
5. Luxury items available in the East that were not available in Europe included __
6. European merchants were losing some of their profits because ___
7. Columbus thought that sailing west in order to reach Asia would work because ___
8. Columbus was wrong about sailing west to reach Asia because ___
9. Native people of the Americas were called “Indians” by Europeans because ___
10. Besides a desire to get rich, Europeans came to America for these other reasons: __
For a “C” on this assignment, complete questions 1-10 on the handout. Turn in by the end of class.
Do your work for a “B,” “A,” and/or Honors/EC on separate paper. Name the assignment “Old World
Enters New World (cont.)”. Work for a “B,” “A,” and Honors/EC is due by the BOC on Thursday.
For a “B” on this assignment, scan pp. 38-43 in your text and answer this question in a well-developed
paragraph of 4-6 sentences:
Explain Marco Polo’s impact. Include biographical information about him, a description of his
accomplishments, an explanation of how the printing press increased his influence, and a statement of Marco
Polo’s influence on Christopher Columbus.
For an “A” on this assignment, do the work above. In addition, scan text pp. 43-9 and answer the following
question in a well-developed paragraph of 4-6 sentences:
How long after Columbus’s “discovery” of America did it actually become “America?” How did this happen?
Why is it called “America?”
For Honors/Extra Credit on this assignment, consider the following
Columbus Day is a national holiday. Government offices are closed, banks are closed, and many school districts
are closed, including Central Kitsap. Do you think our district should begin recognizing Columbus Day as a
holiday or do you think our district should continue treating it as a regular school day? Why? Write a letter to
Dr. Jones, our superintendent, explaining your view. Include information about the historical context. Be
articulate and persuasive!