Reflect #6

The readings from last week explain the early modern world through chapters 14-16 which lasted according to Strayer from around 1450 to 1750. On chapter 14, we can see how the Europeans began to settle in their colonies along what is now called the East Coast of the United States. Europeans had control over the Americas and the sea routes, but they had little or no political or military power over Asia and Africa. Trade also became really important in this period, like slaves, metals and other items. European initiatives dominate our view of this era. However, while the Europeans where developing America, the Russian state was breaking free from the Mongol rule.

            The Columbian Exchange connected four continents North and South America, Africa and Europe. The Columbian exchange was also an important network of communication, migration, trade, spread of disease and also transfer of plants and animals that helped grow the agricultural industry. The Spanish had access to the wealth and urbanized regions of the Western Hemisphere after they conquer the Aztec and Inca empires. The Spanish also began to establish cities, universities, cathedrals, churches and a network of international commerce in Mexico and Peru. One of the most distinctive features of these new societies was the emergence of a mestizo or mixed race populations. These were the product of the mix of Spanish men and Indian women.