The document provides an overview of the state of the world in 1492, describing developments in different regions. In Europe, monarchies were expanding their dominance through trade and financing explorations. The Muslim world spanned the eastern hemisphere, while South Asia welcomed new cultures and Vietnam expanded its conquests. China and Japan remained largely isolated, while the Americas contained advanced civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas prior to European contact. Societies globally were influenced by staple crops like wheat, rice and corn. Empires changed over time due to factors such as climate, economics and invasion. Europe was positioned to dominate through its developing commerce, banking, inventions and military technology.

1. The World in 1492 Karla Castillo

3. Financial backing of explorations within empires

5. The Grand Tour: South Asia South Asia welcome new cultures and visitors Muslims advance their “enlightened” societies Vietnam slowly extending its conquests “Spice Islands” in Indonesia become goal of competition

6. The Grand Tour: China and Japan China and Japan stay in their boundaries China’s prosperous economy and technology gave Chinese little incentive to go beyond their country. Japan remain independent but going through troublesome times

7. The Grand Tour: The Western Hemisphere “New World” discovery vital in exploration Mayans ahead in art and astrology Aztecs huge and advanced city of Tenochtitlan Incas create imperial roads that tied their empire together

8. The Staff of Life Life style of each land area influenced development of each society Europe’s wheat: cooperative hand labor, beasts and farming Asia’s rice: crowded villages, hand labor, tax collection America’s corn: grows quickly for free time to build pyramids Introduction to western hemisphere improved global diet

9. The Great Traditions Bureaucracy, significant cities, writing & technology Outsiders learning new customs Empires changing due to climate, economics and invasion Introduction to artists and intellectuals

10. The European Challenge Territory, language and religion Inventions and advances perfected Commerce over religion Early form of capitalism: “commercial capitalism” Banking, insurance and joint-stock financed explorations Europe’s technology gives it advantage over the world