Latin America
PART II: UNIT III: 1450 - 1750C.E.
In the previous era (600-1450 C.E.), sometimes called thepost-classical period, we explored the rise of new civilizations inboth hemispheres, the spread of major religions that created culturalareas for analysis, and an expansion of long-distance trade toinclude European and African kingdoms. However, no sustained contactoccurred between the eastern and western hemisphere. During the timeperiod between 1450 and 1750 C.E., the two hemispheres were linkedand for the first time in world history, long-distance trade becametruly worldwide.
QUESTIONS OF PERIODIZATION
This era includes only 300 years, but some profound andlong-lasting changes occurred. Characteristics of the time between1450 and 1750 include:
1) The globe was encompassed - For the first time, thewestern hemisphere came into continued contact with the easternhemisphere. Technological innovations, strengthened politicalorganization, and economic prosperity all contributed to this changethat completely altered world trade patterns.
2) Sea-based trade rose in proportion to land-based trade -Technological advancements and willingness of political leadersto invest in it meant that sea-based trade became much moreimportant. As a result, old land-based empires lost relative power tothe new sea-based powers.
3) European kingdoms emerged that gained world power - Therelative power and prosperity of Europe increased dramatically duringthis time in comparison to empires in the longer-establishedcivilization areas. However, Europe did not entirely eclipse powerfulempires in Southwest Asia, Africa, and East Asia.
4) The relative power of nomadic groups declined - Nomadscontinued to play an important role in trade and cultural diffusion,and they continued to threaten the borders of the large land-basedempires. However, their power dwindled as travel and trade by waterbecame more important.
5) Labor systems were transformed - The acquisition ofcolonies in North and South America
In the previous era (600-1450 C.E.), sometimes called thepost-classical period, we explored the rise of new civilizations inboth hemispheres, the spread of major religions that created culturalareas for analysis, and an expansion of long-distance trade toinclude European and African kingdoms. However, no sustained contactoccurred between the eastern and western hemisphere. During the timeperiod between 1450 and 1750 C.E., the two hemispheres were linkedand for the first time in world history, long-distance trade becametruly worldwide.
QUESTIONS OF PERIODIZATION
This era includes only 300 years, but some profound andlong-lasting changes occurred. Characteristics of the time between1450 and 1750 include:
1) The globe was encompassed - For the first time, thewestern hemisphere came into continued contact with the easternhemisphere. Technological innovations, strengthened politicalorganization, and economic prosperity all contributed to this changethat completely altered world trade patterns.
2) Sea-based trade rose in proportion to land-based trade -Technological advancements and willingness of political leadersto invest in it meant that sea-based trade became much moreimportant. As a result, old land-based empires lost relative power tothe new sea-based powers.
3) European kingdoms emerged that gained world power - Therelative power and prosperity of Europe increased dramatically duringthis time in comparison to empires in the longer-establishedcivilization areas. However, Europe did not entirely eclipse powerfulempires in Southwest Asia, Africa, and East Asia.
4) The relative power of nomadic groups declined - Nomadscontinued to play an important role in trade and cultural diffusion,and they continued to threaten the borders of the large land-basedempires. However, their power dwindled as travel and trade by waterbecame more important.
5) Labor systems were transformed - The acquisition ofcolonies in North and South America
References: * Population statistics modified from Dennis H. Wrong, ed.,Population and Society (1977); William M. Deneven, the NativePopulations of the Americas in 1492 (1976), 289-292. RETURN TO THE AP WORLD HISTORY HOMEPAGE