Age of Sail

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/age-of-sail

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the approximate duration?Late 15th century to mid-19th century
2. What is the key technological advancements?Improved sail design, sternpost rudder, magnetic compass, astrolabe, advanced cartography
3. Why were sailors important during the Age of Sail?They helped build trade routes, bring spices, and map new lands, but they lived in hard conditions with cramped rooms and little food.
4. How did ships get better during the Age of Sail?New sail designs, a better steering rudder, and tools like the magnetic compass and astrolabe let sailors travel farther and faster.

Mercantilism: An economic theory advocating for government regulation of trade to increase national wealth and power.
Astrolabe: An ancient astronomical instrument used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies, aiding navigation.
Chartered Trading Company: A business entity granted a charter by a sovereign state, often with monopolies on trade in specific regions.
Scurvy: A disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, historically prevalent among sailors on long voyages due to lack of fresh produce.