Travel by Boat to Greenland Difficult from 1350-1850
Travel by boat between Greenland and Europe was made increasingly difficult from about 1350 to 1850 due to a number of factors. One of the main reasons was the Little Ice Age, which began in the 13th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. This period was characterized by cooler-than-average temperatures, which made the waters around Greenland more treacherous. In addition, the advent of the gunpowder era in the 15th century led to the development of more powerful and accurate guns, which made it easier for pirates and privateers to attack and plunder ships. Finally, the discovery of the Americas in the late 15th century created a new route for European ships to take, which made travel to Greenland less necessary.