The Exploration News
Special Addition
November 14 , 1493
Written by: Allison Leary, Emily Brigham, Sarah Sutton, and Hannah Nordstrom
Recent Update on Columbus's Voyage
In international news, Chrisopher Columbus is still not back from his voyage to the Indies. Columbus is an Italian explorer who was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. He learned how to make maps and sail ships as he grew up. Columbus originally had the idea that if he sailed west, he could sail straight to China simply by crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling over the Silk Road to trade was dangerous and this water route would provide saver passage for the Europeans.
Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, who funded Columbus' voyage, are also concerned. He left on August 12, 1492 with his three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. It was expected that he would have returned by now. At this time, all we can do is remain optomistic in hoping that Columbus will arrive home any day now with wonderful news of a passage to China.
~Allison Leary,
Reporter
The Influence of Technology
During this current age of exploration, many tools have been necessary to help the age itself flourish. The most helpful tools in technology so far are the ones that helped us sailors, navigators, and captains.
Many of these inventions included the cross staff, the caravel, the astrolabe, and the magnetic compass. Each have been contributing greatly. For example, the caravel was a very handy ship that helped us explorers to do what they do best, explore! Their convenient size and height was very favorable to many sailors, along with the magnetic compass. It told direction and helped for captains and their crews to not get lost. The astrolabe measures angles and altitudes by using the sun, which can then be converted to measure latitude. The age of exploration will not be as successful as it truly is going to be, if these inventions are not being developed.
~Hannah Nordstrom
Journalist and Retired Sailor
Slavery: The Positives and the Negatives
Slaves, especially the African slaves that are becoming so popular, are considered to be exotic. Owning one will give an impression of wealth or a high position. Having such an unique and symbolic slave answering your door or delivering messages for you will definitely give people a good impression on your place in society. Our economy is growing rich from involvement in slave trade. Also, slaves serve as great free laborers on farms and plantations. For our country and many others, the trading of slaves is a great opportunity.
However, I have heard that the way many slaves are treated while being captured and sold is inhumane and torturous. According to information I have recently gathered, slaves are packed into ships like cattle, where the conditions are terribly unsanitary, and they are fed the bare minimum of what they need to survive. Many slaves die on their journeys, between illness and suicide. Also, many Catholics are opposed to slavery because many slaves convert to Catholicism when in Catholic households, and the religion looks down upon the ownership of a fellow Catholic.
Slavery definitely has its ups and down during this time. However, the real question is not whether we should own slaves or not, but if it is moral to treat the slaves the way we do.
~ Emily Brigham
Journalist
The Marriage of Duke Aleixo P. Fosco and Amalia S. Machado
Friday, Nov 24, 1493, 06:30 PM
Lisbon Cathedral, Largo Santo António da Sé, Lisbon, Portugal
Obituaries - Affonso, Osei and Henry: The Most Influential People of Our Time
Some important figures that have passed recently in the Age of Discovery are Affonso 1, Osei Tutu, and Prince Henry.
Prince Henry was the leader in exploring for Portugal, our small nation next to Spain. Prince Henry wanted to find an easier route to Asia. They had to travel around Africa. He and the Portuguese thought that they were up to date with technology and were able to succeed. He asked cartographers, scientists, and many other people who could be of use. They designed ships, created maps, trained people to be captains, and prepared others to endure long voyages. After much hard work they were able to find a route now known as the Cape of Good Hope. Thanks to Prince Henry this was a great success.
Affonso 1 is the ruler of the Kongo in west central Africa. When he was younger, he was tutored by Portugese missionaries who wanted to convert Africans to Christians. He soon became king in 1505. He wanted to change Kongo into a modern Christian state. He hated when the Portuguese came to Kongo to buy slaves. He wanted to end this terror. Even though he will did not succeed in doing this, he is still a great man for knowing that this is wrong an trying to end it.
Osei Tutu was the person who won control of the city of Kumasi where trade took place. He was a person who was able to bring together the Asante Kingdom. His kingdom was threatened by another kingdom nearby. He said that the only way to defeat them was to unite as a kingdom. He said that God chose him to rule over them to lead them. Because of Osei Tutu, the Asante Kingdom defeated the other kingdom in the 1600s.
~Sarah Sutton
Researcher and Journalist
Travel Spotlight: Macao
Are you looking for a relaxing vacation? Then head to Macao, a Portuguese Trading colony in Asia. We are highly recommending this trip here at our headquarters, as several of our workers here have gone and LOVED it. This happy town the Portugal has established on the coast of Asia has many opportunities for learning and adventure. Watch the gorgeous sunsets from the trading docks, learn about Chinese culture, sample pungent spices and delicate silks, and relax at our cheerful hotels. There are even tours of our trading ships being offered! The rich, cultural environment of Macao is an ideal place for you to travel alone or travel with a family. Either way, you are bound to be shocked at the amazing things that the beautiful coastal colony of Macao has to offer. In the summer time, you can swim in the crisp and clean Pacific Ocean, and take in the beautiful Chinese flowers and plants. In the winter, there are the many kinds of Chinese tea and the beauty of the snow sparkling off the mystical buildings of the Chinese. The things to do and experience in Macao are endless, so book your ticket on a voyage there soon!
The Daily View
Today, we traveled all the way to the Wachusett tribe in Africa to interview one of their natives on the topic of slavery. We brought an African/English translator with us on the ship and he sat with us while we interviewed the African women. She is a mother of three children and told us all about her struggle.
Exploration News: Thank you for sitting down with us today.
Native: Thank you for coming to interview me.
Exploration News: So let's get to the point. How do you feel about the slavery problem breaking out in your tribe?
Native: Slavery was an issue even when the English weren't involved. When Africans were enslaving Africans, there was frustration with it. The fact that our own people are selling us to foreigners is a horrible thought.
Exploration News: What are your fears when your children come into play?
Native: I fear my children and I will be separated if I or them are taken by your people.
Exploration News: Do you think that slavery will die down soon?
Native: No. I am almost positive that it will become a bigger issue.
Exploration News: Thank you for your time.
~ Allison Leary
International Reporter
Works Cited
Ellis, Elisabeth Gaynor., Anthony Esler, and Burton F. Beers. Prentice Hall World History. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.
N.d. Photograph. Https://sites.google.com/a/ucps.k12.nc.us/mrms-7th-grade-social-studies-textbook/the-age-of-exploration/technological-innovations-of-the-age-of-exploration. Web.
N.d. Photograph. Web.
N.d. Photograph. Web. <http://blog.thebathoutlet.com/2011_12_01_archive.html>.
"Technological Innovations of the Age of Exploration - MRMS 7th Grade Social Studies Textbook." Technological Innovations of the Age of Exploration - MRMS 7th Grade Social Studies Textbook. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.