Developments that helped Europeans expand their influence on the oceans included all except
A) the development of portolani.
B) the acquisition of the Chinese sternpost rudder.
C) a combination of lateen sails with square rigging and the ability to build ever-larger and more mobile ships.
D) the construction of gigantic ships, even larger than those employed by the Ming's Zhenghe.
E) recent naval experience on the high seas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The construction of gigantic ships, even larger than those employed by the Ming's Zhenghe, is not a development that helped Europeans expand their influence on the oceans. In fact, Europeans generally built smaller ships that were more maneuverable and faster than the larger Chinese vessels. The other options - the development of portolani, the acquisition of the Chinese sternpost rudder, a combination of lateen sails with square rigging and the ability to build ever-larger and more mobile ships, and recent naval experience on the high seas - all contributed to European naval expansion in various ways.

Developments That Helped Europeans Expand Their Influence on the Oceans