How Technology Made Ocean Voyages Possible — Reading Comprehension

New technology changed history by making ocean voyages possible. In Europe, people wanted to find new trade routes to Asia. But traveling by land was slow and dangerous. So, explorers looked for ways to cross the ocean by ship.

Ships called caravels were built with strong wood and large sails. These ships sailed faster and could carry more supplies. The caravel’s design, with its special shape and strong rudder, helped sailors steer through rough waters.

Another important tool was the compass. The compass showed sailors which direction they were going, even when clouds hid the sun and stars. This helped explorers like Christopher Columbus stay on course across the wide Atlantic Ocean.

The astrolabe was also a new tool. Sailors used it to measure the height of the sun or stars. This helped them know their position at sea. With the compass and astrolabe, sailors could travel farther from land and not get lost.

With these tools, European ships reached the Americas in 1492. When Columbus landed, he wrote, “I discovered many islands… and I took possession of them.” This marked the start of many more voyages across the ocean.

These journeys brought new people, plants, and animals to the Americas. But they also changed life for Native Americans. Some Native peoples traded with explorers. Others faced big challenges as their lands and ways of life changed.

Technology helped make these journeys possible. It connected people from different parts of the world. These connections brought new ideas, but also new problems. The Age of Exploration changed history forever.

Interesting Fact: The word "caravel" comes from a Portuguese word for a small, fast ship.

What was a caravel?

Who used the compass to cross the ocean?

In what year did Columbus reach the Americas?

Why did explorers want new trade routes?

How did the compass help sailors?

What was one effect of ocean voyages?

The astrolabe helped sailors know their position.

What does 'voyage' mean?