Explain how crusade contributed to the rise of mercantilism by using the following points 1. Influence on economic thought 2. Technological advancements in maritime navigation?

1. Influence on economic thought: The Crusades played a significant role in shaping economic thought during the medieval period. The need to finance and support the Crusades led to the development of new economic practices, such as the establishment of banking systems, the use of credit and loans, and the growth of trade networks. These economic practices laid the foundation for the rise of mercantilism, which emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and commerce.

2. Technological advancements in maritime navigation: The Crusades also spurred technological advancements in maritime navigation, as European powers sought to establish trade routes to the Holy Land. These advancements, such as the development of better ships, navigational tools, and mapping techniques, enabled European powers to expand their trade networks and establish colonies in distant lands. This expansion of trade and colonization further fueled the growth of mercantilism, as European powers sought to control and exploit resources from their colonies to enrich their own economies.

## Influence on Economic Thought

- Expansion of Trade: The Crusades exposed Europeans to the rich goods and technologies of the East, creating a demand for exotic products that drove trade.
- Growth of Merchant Class: Merchants played a crucial role in transporting goods between Europe and the East, leading to the accumulation of wealth and the rise of a powerful merchant class.
- Merchant Guilds and Trading Companies: The Crusades fostered the formation of merchant guilds and trading companies, which regulated trade and protected the interests of merchants. These organizations played a key role in promoting mercantilist practices.
- Emergence of Proto-Capitalism: The increased demand for goods, along with the accumulation of wealth by merchants, created a fertile environment for the emergence of early forms of capitalism, characterized by profit-seeking and investment in trade.

## Technological Advancements in Maritime Navigation

- Improved Ship Design: The Crusades provided a strong incentive for technological advancements in shipbuilding. Ships became larger, more stable, and equipped with better sails, allowing for longer and more efficient voyages.
- Development of Navigational Instruments: Mariners during the Crusades developed instruments such as the astrolabe and compass, which significantly improved navigation and enabled ships to travel farther and with greater precision.
- Increased Trade Routes: The technological advancements facilitated the establishment of new trade routes connecting Europe with the East, expanding the volume and value of merchandise exchanged.
- Mercantile Empires: Maritime navigation advancements allowed European powers to establish mercantile empires, with colonies and trading posts in Asia and the Americas. This control over trade routes and resources further enriched merchants and contributed to the rise of mercantilism.