The European Miracle

In Paul Kennedy’s The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, the reader gets to understand how Europe went from a laughing stock of the Western World, to a dominant global power. Prior to 1500, Europe played a restricted role when it came to technology and other major world events. Empires such as Ming China, and the Ottomans, were two of the dominant global cultures prior to 1500, and Europe was nowhere near as advanced as these two were. As these two countries started to make an inward turn, it gave Europe a chance to prosper which changed the course of history forever. The “European Miracle” was an event that added Europe to dominant global powers, and completely changed their culture for the better. Prior to 1500, empires such as the Ming
It was an awkward country that lacked in unity, and technology innovation. Due to the Ming, and Ottoman decline, an event known as the “European Miracle” was able to occur, putting Europe on the list of dominant global powers. Europe’s geography had a significant role in shaping their economy. Due to the diversity of their geography, there was an abundance of different resources that could be harvested or manufactured. As kennedy states, “...it consisted of bulk products-timber, grain, wine, will, herrings, and so on, catering to the rising population of fifteenth century Europe.” (19) All of these products led to trade, which had a drastic effect on Europe's economy, and culture. The population increased, and a new form of a credit system, along with new banks were being established. This trade was able to be spread so easily due to all of the rivers, oceans, and seas that connected the separate countries. Cultural diffusion was able to occur, which spread the idea of firearms between countries, leading to the invention of a new type of cannon. All of these countries were able to benefit from this cannon, making all of these nations equal in strength, and power. Due to the inward turn of the Ottoman and Ming, the Europeans now had an advantage over them when it came to firearm technology. Soon all of the little European countries were coming together and conquering or fending off their rival and rebels. The european people could now feel safe, knowing that their military is gradually becoming stronger, and stronger. The biggest impact of these new firearms was shown when it came to shipbuilding. Europe was surrounded by ocean and filled with water trade routes, so a strong fleet was crucial. These new and updated ships, included less dangerous, smaller, and more powerful cannons. This allowed Europe to control many parts of the ocean, and some crucial trade routes that surrounded their continent.