Term | Definition |
old world | European countries 1200-1600 (Spain, England, Portugal, France, Holland) |
new world | The Americas (North, Central, and South) 1200-1600 |
astrolabe | tool that measures the height of the sun or a star above the horizon. |
compass | a device having a magnetic needle that indicates direction on the earth's surface by pointing toward the north. |
sextant | an instrument used to determine the position of a ship or airplane by measuring the positions of the stars and sun. |
caravel | a small 15th and 16th century ship that has broad bows, high narrow poop, and usually three masts with lateen or both square and lateen sails. |
navigation | the science of planning and controlling the direction of a ship. |
merchant | someone who buys or sells goods to earn money. |
economy | the system of how money is made and used within a particular country or region |
trade | the activity or process of buying, selling, or exchanging goods or services |
epidemic | an outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and affects many people. |
northwest passage | The historical sea passage that cuts from east to west through the North American continent. |
conquistador | is Spanish for conqueror. |
explorer | someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose) |
expedition | a journey to achieve a goal. |
kingdom | a place ruled by a king or queen. |
empire | many nations or territories ruled by a single group or leader. |
technology | the use of scientific knowledge and tools to do things better and more rapidly. |
circumnavigate | to sail completely around something. |
commerce | activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services |
mercantilism | is a system in which a country attempts to amass wealth through trade with other countries |