The Early Modern World 1450-1750 THE BIG PICTURE CHANGE IN THE EARLY MODERN ERA CHAPTERS 13-15

Chapter 13-15 These chapters cover what is usually called the “early modern era” Suggestive of modernity (globalization, modern societies, European world presence) Globalization: European exploration, conquest, and settlement of America Slave Trade linked to Africa American Silver and European trade with Asia Columbian Exchange Christianity grows into a global religion Expansion in Russian, Ottoman, and Chinese Empire important as part of wider global web

Other things that point to the start of the Modern Era Scientific Revolution transformed worldview of elite in Europe Philosophical Enlightenment for social and political change in Europe Population growth starts taking on modern characteristics Commercialized economies (highly commercialized) develop in parts of Eurasia and America-urban based Stronger more unified states develop: this promotes trade, manufacturing, and common cultures. Great increase in military power due to “gunpowder” revolution.

But wait… Maybe It is the Late Agrarian Era Despite what we have just talked about, it is also possible to see this time period (1450-1750) as NOT modern European political and military power were quite limited in Asia and Africa Islam was still the fastest growing major religion India and China were each comparable in production to Europe

The Late Agrarian In 1750 the only signs of industrial revolution might have been found in central England. Dependent on muscle power, wind, and water everywhere Long established cities still had the power; no transfer to industrial cities yet. Rulers were monarchs and were not elected; male dominance was normal and assumed to be correct; “lower class” meant rural peasants not urban workers for the most part 1450-1750 was not a time of change for most humans but of continuity with the past Chapters 13-15 highlight change in this era rather than continutiy