spinning wheel linen cotton rags cheaper paper printing

Spinning wheels helped make paper cheaper

European papermakers once relied heavily on old linen and cotton cloth. Spinning wheels increased the amount of cloth being produced, which later meant more rags were available for paper. The larger supply helped make paper cheaper and supported the growth of printing.

Japanese people were sold overseas

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Portuguese traders bought Japanese people as slaves in Japan and sold them abroad, including in Portugal. Records also describe Japanese women being sold for sexual exploitation.

Europe and Asia have no fixed dividing line

Europe and Asia form one continuous landmass, but no sharp physical or political line separates them. The boundary uses natural features inconsistently and does not follow country borders. Cultural and language differences also vary along a spectrum rather than forming a clear dividing line.

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spinning wheel linen cotton rags cheaper paper printing

Spinning wheels helped make paper cheaper

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