Trends
Economic TrendsTime saw a rise of global trade network. Europe became a world economic power, as there was a decline in the power of nomadic groups. Inflation as a result of increase in gold and silver, affected growing nations. A new major trade network crossed the Atlantic, which increase in the importance of trade-based wealth over land-based wealth. Many new labor systems developed, mostly enslavement of Native Americans and Africans by Europeans. European colonial economies in the Americas depended heavily on slave labor.
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Demographic TrendsMigration of Europeans to the Americas forced migration of Africans to the Americas; Because of the slave trade, overall global population increased. Largest increases in population were in Europe and Asia.
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Environmental TrendsTransfer of plants, animals and diseases via the Columbian Exchange, increased agricultural development all over the world.
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Overview
The Renaissance took place through 1350-1550, and the first 100 years of this time period is still Renaissance. The next 200 years is aftermath caused by the changes of the Renaissance. Aftermath such as the beginning of globalization, industrialization, and a huge blossom of colonization all over the world. Britain began surpassing other countries in terms of colonization and imperialism, after their defeat of the Spanish armada.
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Huge changes in political views and views of the church due to the ideas formed and questions asked during the Renaissance. During the era from 1450 to 1750 the church lost significant power in almost every way. Not only were scientists and literary writers beginning to challenge the church, but the Pope's political power was compromised as centralization of government gave more authority to kings. Starting in the early 16th century, the church's religious authority was seriously weakened by the Protestant Reformation, a movement led by Martin Luther, a German priest who believed that the church was seriously flawed. Luther did what no priest had dared to do before: openly defy the authority of the church. The Church also weakened with migration of people to the Americas, idea of separation of church and state fueled settlers spirits. Along with observation of human and civil rights.
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The globe was encompassed. The world became small for the fist time, the western hemisphere came into progressive contact with the eastern hemisphere. Technological innovations strengthened political organization, and economic prosperity all contributed to this change that completely altered world trade patterns. Sea-based trade rose in proportion to land-based trade.Technological advancements and willingness of political leaders to invest in it meant that sea-based trade became much more important. As a result, old land-based empires lost relative power to the new sea-based powers. China and Europe were very active in building this connected world and benefited greatly from the new trading patterns.