Intro Notes

The World Before 1500

3 Major Periods:
Antiquity
Middle Ages
*Modern Times (1500-present)
“All historical periods were shaped by natural environment and human technology”
“The capacity to create and change material and intellectual culture marked the beginning of human history”

Civilization and Identity

Domestication of animals
Beginnings of agriculture
Unrelated peoples settle together in “cradles of civilization” where resources were plentiful
Technological knowledge: how to grow crops, how to build objects
Spiritual study: What is the meaning of life? How should I live my life?
Formation of governments/public works
Trade, war, and multicultural interaction

Atlantic System:
Also known as the Triangular Trade
System of moving goods and people between Europe, Africa, and America
Includes food, slaves, gold

Chartered Companies
Companies got a monopoly in one part of the world, while empires were guaranteed the companies would eliminate foreign competition
Dutch West India Company; Royal African company

Merchantilism:
Colonies exist for the mother country's economic benefit
Capitalism: financial institutions lend money to make profitable investments