Part IV: The Early Modern World

According to Strayer (2013, pg. 611) in labeling an era the early modern era, certain identifying factors must be present that are still present today. My favorite aspect of the early modern era would have to be the Scientific Revolution, as this greatly impacted the way in which we seek out information today. Strayer is quick to point out that although in the beginning of the early modern era “Europeans ruled the Americas and controlled the world’s sea routes” and despite the fact that the birth of modern science began in Europe, Europe was far from being the world’s leader. Towards the end of part four in our text books the question of “Why Europe” rises. Why was it that Europe was the first to make scientific leaps and bounds when other countries were far more advanced in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, etc.? The answer is space. Not the space that engulfs our planet that we examine in the sky every night, but rather space and freedom to ask questions and to explore. By the thirteen century the European legal system provided many institutions with the space and independence to explore. This openness to discovery permeated through universities and allowed students and scholars to study whatever they saw fit to study. This is when the divide between science, philosophy, and theology began. Furthermore, history proves that we (even today) have a lot to learn from other cultures; assimilation is key to discovering new ideas. This was the case in the thirteenth century, when Europe (being much more culturally diverse) was able to assimilate their collected knowledge with that of other cultures.

            Another devastating as well as interesting piece of the Early Modern World was the Atlantic Slate Trade. I think the majority of slave trade that we are exposed to in films and through readings was during the plantation slavery, which seems brutal in and of itself, however, the Atlantic Slave trade was unimaginably brutal. It amazes me the products that were used to trade for slaves. “The exchange for slaves, African sellers sought both European and Indian textiles, cowrie shells, European metal goods, firearms and gunpowder, tobacco and alcohol, and various decorative items” (Strayer, 2012, pg. 690). Decorative items for a person’s life, that’s just unfathomable to me. When I read about this part of history, it always makes me reflect on the current trades and the way in which we handle business internationally now. If someone were looking back centuries from now and reflecting on our present time period, what would they say was inhumane that we currently engage in? The ever present segregation? Eating meat? Our blatant disregard for our planet?