Period 2: Global Interactions, c. 1450 to c. 1750

Early Modern Period

The historical period from 1450 CE to 1750 CE, marked by global exploration and the establishment of empires.

Gunpowder Empires

A term referring to the large empires that expanded during the Early Modern Period using gunpowder technology, such as the Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals.

Columbian Exchange

The biological exchange of plants, animals, people, and diseases between the Old World and the New World following the voyages of Columbus.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy and increasing national wealth through regulation and trade.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century led by figures like Martin Luther that resulted in the split from the Catholic Church and the establishment of Protestant churches.

Asian Isolation

The period during which major Asian empires, such as the Ming and Qing Dynasties, limited interaction and trade with Western powers.

Scientific Revolution

An intellectual movement in Europe during the early modern period that emphasized observation and experimentation and laid the foundations for modern science.

Enlightenment

An intellectual and philosophical movement of the 18th century that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership and the free market, which began to emerge prominently in the Early Modern Period.

Transoceanic Voyaging

Long-distance travel across the oceans, which facilitated global connections and trade during the Early Modern Period.

Silver/Sugar

Key commodities of the Early Modern Period; silver from the Americas was used in global trade, and sugar became a major cash crop relying heavily on slave labor.

Triangular Trade

A trade system established between Europe, Africa, and the Americas in which slaves, raw materials, and manufactured goods were exchanged.

Casta System

A hierarchical system of racial classification established by the Spanish in colonial Latin America.

Atlantic System

The economic network associated with the trade of goods, people, and resources between Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the Early Modern Period.

Voyages of Discovery

Exploratory expeditions by European powers to the New World and beyond, which led to significant cultural and demographic changes.

Joint-Stock Company

A business entity where different stocks can be bought and owned by shareholders, significant for funding exploration and trade ventures in the Early Modern Period.

Encomienda System

A labor system instituted by the Spanish in the Americas where settlers were granted land and the right to demand tribute and labor from indigenous people.

Hacienda System

A system of land tenure in Spanish America where large estates were established to grow cash crops with forced labor, often of indigenous peoples.

Ming Dynasty

The Chinese dynasty that ruled from 1368 to 1644, noted for its trade expansion and cultural achievements.

Qing Dynasty

The last imperial dynasty of China (1644-1912) that expanded China's territory and solidified its influence in global affairs.

Mughal Empire

A prominent empire in South Asia (1526-1857) known for its cultural achievements and the promotion of trade.

Ottoman Empire

A vast empire that lasted from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, controlling parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Scientific Method

A systematic way of learning about the world based on experimentation and observation that evolved during the Scientific Revolution.

Voltaire

A leading figure of the Enlightenment known for his criticism of the Catholic Church and advocacy for freedom of speech.

John Locke

An Enlightenment thinker who argued for the social contract and natural rights of life, liberty, and property.