1. The Early Modern Period, 1450–1750: The World ShrinksIV
The Early Modern Period, 1450–1750: The World Shrinks

2. Explorer Vasco de Gama kneels before the king under a Portuguese flag while his ship waits in the distance. European ventures in trade and exploration helped define a new world history period.
Explorer Vasco de Gama kneels before the king under a Portuguese flag while his ship waits in the distance. European ventures in trade and exploration helped define a new world history period.

3. Model of the slave ship Brookes, showing plan view of slave positions
Model of the slave ship Brookes, showing plan view of slave positions. The Atlantic slave trade had major effects in four continents.
Model of the slave ship Brookes, showing plan view of slave positions. The Atlantic slave trade had major effects in four continents.

4. Major Political Units of the World, c. 1450

5. Major Political Units of the World, c. 1750

6. TIMELINE 1,300 C.E. to 1,550 C.E.
TIMELINE 1,300 C.E. to 1,550 C.E.

7. TIMELINE 1,600 C.E. to 1,750 C.E.
TIMELINE 1,600 C.E. to 1,750 C.E.