Communication between peoples and cultures initially stemmed from trade and commerce. With Guttenberg's invention of the printing press, information was available to people beyond the elite and wealthy for the first time. Trade drew explorers out into the oceans, and mapmakers outlined their treacherous journeys. These basic maps are what led Columbus to believe he could reach the East by sailing West. Instead he found America, and established trade routes between America and Europe.

Originally released by New Dimension Media, 2013. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on April 16, 2021.