USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -New technology also paved the way for European voyages and exploration. Better maps showed the directions of ocean currents and lines of latitude. Inventions like the astrolabe and magnetic compass improved navigation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Three tools are of particular importance to this time period: lateen sails, the astrolabe, and the magnetic compass. Lateen sails were triangular sails which allowed ships to sail directly into the wind, versus the formerly used square sails that did not allow ships to sail into the wind.

Detailed explanation-3: -Europeans were desperate to get spices from Asia. Spices were used to preserve foods and keep them from spoiling. Spices, however, were expensive and dangerous to get. Traders had to travel parts of the dangerous Silk Road (a land route from Europe to Asia) to get them.

Detailed explanation-4: -The magnetic compass and rose were a huge leap forward technologically. The magnetic compass and rose were also incredibly important inventions that helped spark the Age of Exploration. Consisting of a magnetized needle, compasses provided sailors with an amazingly powerful navigational aid.