McClellan in his article “Plows, Stirrups, Guns, and Plagues” and Gregory in “Technology

by | Mar 15, 2023 | Human Resource Management

 

 

 

McClellan in his article “Plows, Stirrups, Guns, and Plagues” and Gregory in “Technology and
the Natural Sciences” discuss the developments in sailing ships and navigation from the 15th to
the 17th centuries.
a) Describe the main developments in nautical science (everything related to navigation, spherical
geometry, cartography….) and technology (everything related to ship building, marine
instrumentation, etc.) from the 1450s to the 1550.
b) Explain the political, social, and economic results of this nautical revolution.

Sample Solution

a) During the 15th and 16th centuries, there were major developments in nautical science and technology. In terms of navigation, mariners began to use more advanced celestial navigation techniques such as predicting tides and compass variation; they also utilized improved cartography methods to map out marine courses. Spherical geometry was also used by navigators to accurately measure distances between land points at sea level, making it easier for them to plot their course. Additionally, advances in ship building enabled vessels to travel faster and farther than ever before thanks to new designs which incorporated multiple sails that could be adjusted for different wind conditions as well as improvements made in hull structure for better strength and stability during storms. Marine instrumentation was also developed during this time period with the invention of devices such as the astrolabe (used for measuring altitude) and magnetic compasses (for determining direction).

Sample Solution

a) During the 15th and 16th centuries, there were major developments in nautical science and technology. In terms of navigation, mariners began to use more advanced celestial navigation techniques such as predicting tides and compass variation; they also utilized improved cartography methods to map out marine courses. Spherical geometry was also used by navigators to accurately measure distances between land points at sea level, making it easier for them to plot their course. Additionally, advances in ship building enabled vessels to travel faster and farther than ever before thanks to new designs which incorporated multiple sails that could be adjusted for different wind conditions as well as improvements made in hull structure for better strength and stability during storms. Marine instrumentation was also developed during this time period with the invention of devices such as the astrolabe (used for measuring altitude) and magnetic compasses (for determining direction).

b) This nautical revolution had far-reaching political, social, and economic consequences throughout Europe. Politically speaking, this period saw an increase in state power across all participating countries due to gains made in naval capabilities – allowing nations like Spain or Portugal greater control over their trading routes while simultaneously reducing their reliance on other states’ ships or goods. Socially speaking, these changes opened up a whole new world of opportunity to traders who could now easily access distant markets while minimizing risk; they led directly into the Age of Exploration where many Europeans set off on pioneering voyages around the world looking for precious resources or exotic goods which could then be sold back home at high prices. Economically speaking, these advancements sparked a commercial revolution wherein wealth became concentrated among those able to make money from maritime activities; additionally tariffs imposed on goods brought back from overseas helped boost government coffers further increasing their overall power base too!

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