The Age of Exploration News
Editor: Aisling O'Malley, Photographer: Caitlin Pianka, Designer: Aria Wolkowicz
A Discovery is Made
A new discovery regarding technology has recently been made! It is called the compass rose and can be used to help sailors navigate on their journeys. It tells four to eight directions and works through an iron needle and lodestone. These two objects create a magnetic force aligning with the northern and southern poles of the earth. This then can show the directions needed. The compass, like previous ones, has the directions painted on it so it is clear as to where he arrow is pointing. All sailors should definitely get one of these. They are much better than the former Chinese compass which did not use this new form of magnetism. In addition, they are handcrafted within our country. There is no need to have to trade with Asia to obtain these useful devices.
Interview
Our latest interview was with a native inhabitant of Africa who truly felt affected by colonization. This native said, "I speak for many other inhabitants who are in a similar position me. I am not being taken into slavery, but I am not in a position to change it." He then tells the interviewer that it is extremely sad to see his people treated in such harsh ways. "If it was me, I wouldn't be able to do it. But yet I don't say anything. Most of our leaders see the good in this and how much wealth the trade brings in for our lands. So, all we can do is listen to them and hope that they are right." The interviewer asks his feelings towards the new white men. "They seem to be changing the meaning of slavery. Before slavery was based on our class in society. We enslaved each other. Now, we are all at risk because it is becoming based on our external characteristics. The white men are going to cause trouble soon." With those words, was the conclusion of our interview.
African American Slave Trade Arises
Travel
The Portuguese have recently been challenged in their expansion and trade, however, by the Dutch. After a fleet of Dutch vessels returned to Amsterdam with luxurious spices, they have been setting up colonies and trading posts all around the world. Their main settlement lies in Cape Town on the tip of South Africa. With the strategic placement of this settlement, the Dutch have a firm foothold in the area and have access to a multitude of locations.