2. Swarmed with small states, some of which were coalescing into larger units Ferdinand & Isabella saw dynamic marriage which yiedld the beginning of a united peninsula. Lorenzo’s foresight as a politician maintained balance of power comprising the Italian Peninsula. A pope might prevail both money and force. “universal domination” Europe
3. Turkey to Africa Columbus proved to be the savior of Christianity by handing the western hemisphere over to the Spanish. Church power – Both traditional bastion of upper-class status and as the contemporary advocate masses. Travel and trade across the Indian ocean made Ethiopian an important information post.
4. South Asia India was under Muslim domination. Indian subcontinent accustomed to marauders and visitors which absorbed into the mainstream of their culture. Southeast Asia, the Theravada Buddhist, who venerated their as gods. Malacca, the greatest port in the world; East goods were found here and West goods were sold here. “Spice Islands” the ultimate goal in the competition between Portuguese and the Spanish
5.
6. Western Hemisphere Reverend Ahuizotls, 8th leader of the Aztecs was extending the confrontation of the Triple Alliance through Mesoamerica. Aztec remained essentially a land bound society w/ little interest in maritime navigation. Mayan Civilization, city of Mayapan ruled over the Northern Yucatan Peninsula. Disunity prevented the Spanish from conquering a broad area and prolonged the Mayan Resistance. Mayas had one of the best artistic and refined societies on the globe.
7.
8. Basic staple of each area profoundly influenced the way in which society is developed.Crops constantly were at the mercy of the weather or caprices of long distance transportation. Eastern & Western hemisphere separation began drastic shift in relationship, both beneficial and fatal results. The introduction of Western Hemisphere crops to the rest of the globe encouraged explosive population growth and long-range improvement in human diet.
9. Great Traditions Four major forms of civilization flourished in the broad landmasses of Eurasia. Four great centers of civilization elaborated bureaucratic and significant structures, iron implements, writing and a high technology. Outsiders began to learn and absorb local customs & fall into major cultures. Kingdoms, coalitions, and empires were fragile and rapid-changing.
10. Historical developments in western Europe that fused intense local rivalries to an aggressive form of commerce and an expansionistic religion. All commercial factors were closely allied with an expansionistic Christianity that cast a spiritual veil over the mundane financial details The growth of banking, insurance, and early forms of joint-stock ventures created a solid economic base to finance expeditions. Improvements in cannonry, spurred by the constant bickering of European kingdoms, led to the creation of powerful gunships that forced their way into other lands. Christopher Columbus broke out the ignorance that earlier societies had set upon the Ocean Sea. Then the venture gave him a significant role in the coming together of humanity. To this adventurer belongs much of the glory, and some of the shame, for the events that followed. European Challenge
