History Assignment

Beginning in the 15th century Europe began a period of transformation out of economic, political, and social insignificance. What factors contributed to this change?

With regular trade taking place between Europe and Asia, and with the exchange of trading ships and travel becoming more of a possibility, more inter-continental exchanges started taking place between Asia and Europe. Consequently, new ideas and technologies were passed on from the travelers and traders, which gave rise to opportunities of learning for the Europeans. The intensification and expansion of trade and communication was when the Europeans began to venture out of their own countries, in order to dominate the sea routes for trading purposes, and out of curiosity to explore new lands and territories. Moreover, taxes and enhanced trade meant consolidation of power for the monarchs of the European countries, while in Spain; the remnants of Muslim rule were also cleared, resulting in complete control of the country in the hands of the Spanish. The Portuguese were the first amongst the Europeans to colonize other territories when they captured the islands of Madeiras and Azores, and driven by the need to cultivate new crops such as sugarcane, they began the slave trade involving African slaves. Famous Portuguese sailors Da Gamma and Dias were able to dominate trade to and fro Asia and Europe when they moved to the Indian Ocean. By employing gunpowder technology to good effect, the Portuguese started imperializing the Asian continent. Neighboring Spain sent Columbus to look for riches in Asia in 1492. Thus began the cycle of trade, exploration and colonization which lasted for centuries, and signaled the beginning of European dominance on the world.

Starting in the fifteenth century, Europe began to come out of the economic, political and social problems which had struck the continent in earlier centuries, and throughout the continent, a new wave of learning and innovation in technology was created, due to which consciousness grew amongst the Europeans as a whole. Therefore, Europe began to realize its true potential in terms of learning and development, which gave rise to the renaissance of the Europeans as a whole.

Therefore, it is important to outline the factors which contributed toward the transformation of Europe, out of its political, economic and social insignificance. Technological advancements in transportation contributed significantly in the trade volume increasing, and as such, the trade networks' geographical reach expanded. Furthermore, the developments in navigation and cartography that took place in Europe, which was based on the knowledge, gleaned from the Asian and Islamic worlds.

Advancement in technology also implied the development of new tools, such as revised maps or astrolable, and caravels (ship design innovations). In addition, transoceanic trade and travel improved as a result of better comprehension of global current and wind patterns.

State building in many European countries also proved to be vital in the transformation of Europe, and better governance meant that the countries could be run in a better way. Better functioning and better running of Western countries meant a better ...