(b) The Fall of Constantinople, 1453
(c) The introduction of the mariner's compass
(d) The invention of gunpowder
(e) The invention of the printing press
(f) The overthrow of the feudal system
(g) The desire for knowledge stimulated by the universities
(h) The failure of the schools of the Middle Ages to meet the demands and needs of the times
4. The relation of each of these causes to the New Learning must be shown. In dealing with the Crusade movement as a cause, it will be necessary to help the children to see the effect produced on the people of northern Europe by their coming into contact with the more highly cultivated people in southern Europe; and the effect produced on the people of Europe by their mingling with the nations of the luxurious East—the Greeks of Constantinople and the brilliant Mohammedan scholars of Palestine. The Crusades made the people dissatisfied with the conditions that had prevailed so long in Europe, and this fact alone gave an impetus to the New Learning.
The relation of printing to the spread of the movement is evident. The introduction of printing meant the cheapening of books, their more general use, and the spread of education. This was followed by a growing independence of thought, and a desire for greater political and religious freedom.
The other causes may be similarly treated.