World Civilization.
PART 4: THE WORLD SHRINKS 1450 – 1750 Pages 354 – 361
I. SUMMARY
A. Introduction
Many developments highlighted world history between 1450 and 1750, which marked a major new period – the early modern – in the global experience. The balance of power among major civilizations shifted; Western Europe became the most dramatic force worldwide. Contacts among the civilizations intensified. The world became smaller as trade affected diverse societies and the speed and size of ships increased. The growth of commerce affected all continents but its greatest impact was in western Europe. New empires based on technology and new forms of organization arose. Two types were land-based and maritime commercial empires.
B. On the Eve of the Early Modern Period: The World around 1450
When this period began, no one civilization predominated in world affairs; a power vacuum existed. A number of powerful societies arose during the post-classical period. A Russian empire expanded across the steppes and forests of Eurasia. Western European regional kingdoms, attempting to expand in Europe, turned to overseas colonial empires. Gunpowder empires with strong governments arose on the Sahel of Africa, across the Middle East and India, and in China, yet by the end of the period, all were powerless to oppose the growing political, economic, and military power of many European states.
C. The Rise of the West
Between 1450 and 1750, Western Europe - headed initially by Spain and Portugal, and then by Holland, France, and England - gained control of the key international trade routes and established colonies across the globe. At the same time, the West itself changed rapidly and by the end of the period had assumed a position similar to the role of Islam from 1000 to 1450.
The World Economy, Global Contacts, and Global Changes
Fed by new naval technologies, the world network intensified and took on new dimensions. The Europeans
I. SUMMARY
A. Introduction
Many developments highlighted world history between 1450 and 1750, which marked a major new period – the early modern – in the global experience. The balance of power among major civilizations shifted; Western Europe became the most dramatic force worldwide. Contacts among the civilizations intensified. The world became smaller as trade affected diverse societies and the speed and size of ships increased. The growth of commerce affected all continents but its greatest impact was in western Europe. New empires based on technology and new forms of organization arose. Two types were land-based and maritime commercial empires.
B. On the Eve of the Early Modern Period: The World around 1450
When this period began, no one civilization predominated in world affairs; a power vacuum existed. A number of powerful societies arose during the post-classical period. A Russian empire expanded across the steppes and forests of Eurasia. Western European regional kingdoms, attempting to expand in Europe, turned to overseas colonial empires. Gunpowder empires with strong governments arose on the Sahel of Africa, across the Middle East and India, and in China, yet by the end of the period, all were powerless to oppose the growing political, economic, and military power of many European states.
C. The Rise of the West
Between 1450 and 1750, Western Europe - headed initially by Spain and Portugal, and then by Holland, France, and England - gained control of the key international trade routes and established colonies across the globe. At the same time, the West itself changed rapidly and by the end of the period had assumed a position similar to the role of Islam from 1000 to 1450.
The World Economy, Global Contacts, and Global Changes
Fed by new naval technologies, the world network intensified and took on new dimensions. The Europeans