Scientific Revolution was the beginning of a new era in European history in the 17th century

• Europeans started to challenge scientific thought

There were several characteristics of the Scientific Revolution

• People started to understand the mathematical nature of the world around them

• Development of scientific institutions (labs, etc.)

Early science was restricted to few universities and only available to the wealthy

Patronage System

• Scientists of the time relied on wealthy patrons to support their work

• Patrons were ultimately in charge of deciding the direction that early science took

Universities were social institutions

• Theology was the main reason

Anatomy was introduced in the 16th century

Universities weren’t properly equipped

Academies were considered to be clubs for people who wanted to live in the ancient world

• Academies provided funding

• Academies allowed for discourse to develop amongst scientists

Alchemy was an attempt at trying to change base metals into gold

• First to place emphasis on experimentation and technology

Classical sources were the foundation for the Scientific Revolution

Aristotelian Philosophy was used as a starting point for science

Hermeticism meant that all objects shared a universal spirit that would eventually be revealed spontaneously

Natural Philosophy was the attempt to explain the natural world

Tycho Brahe discovered a nova and a comet which challenged Aristotelian paradigm

Galileo Galilei declared that planets were roughly made out of the same materials as Earth

• Challenged the biblical view of the heavens

• Was tried and found guilty of Heresy

Descartes

• Discourse on Method (1637)

• Was schooled in Aristotelian philosophy

• Rejected knowledge that was based upon probability

• Used “proofs” to support philosophical learning

Some believed that one could only accept God upon proving his existence

Newton used experimental philosophy (physics)

• Began with the natural world and then tried to explain it

• Used math to create models that were based on nature

• Expressed his observations in numerals

• Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy (1687)

• Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

Expansion of knowledge allowed for the concept that one can understand themselves by understanding nature and their place in it

Commercial Revolution

• Development in new patterns of trade, colonization, and commodities that ended up increasing material luxuries for Europe

• First great commercial empire was the Dutch, followed by the English

• Three phases to the Commercial Revolution

  • Precious Metal Trade (1440-1660)

    • Began in Americas under Spanish leadership

    • Eventually weakened the Dutch/English pirates & loss of control over trade routes

    • Opened Americas for colonization and trade

  • Spice Trade (1550-19th century)

    • Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch, & English) exchanged precious metals for spices (Cinnamon, Pepper, Nutmeg, etc.)

    • Started as bilateral trade

  • Plantation System (1650-1800)

• Brought increasing wealth to Europe in form of goods and services

Dutch became greatest European Economic Empire in 17th century

• Innovative techniques were used

• Rational Management

• Supportive cultural/social environment

Rise of “Dutch Masters”

• Rise to power initially started in 30 Years War against Spain

• Good farmers and manufacturers

• Good traders

Mercantile organization was normally controlled by the King, was easy to tax, and competition was managed by the states

Mercantilist Theory

• Wealth of a nation had to do with the stocks of precious metals

Euro-Asian trade started as a bilateral trade to deal with European consumer demands

• Dutch dominated spice trade in 1650

Coffeehouses became extremely wealthy and popular in the 17th century

Tea was popular across all levels of European society

• Became dietary staple within a generation

• Importation rose annually

• Introduction of opium led to triangular trade as it had started as bilateral trade

Unlimited demand for sugar (high prices)

African slaves were originally imported for gold and silver mines

Tobacco became popular under Dutch marketing and distribution

Plantation systems set a pattern for development based on trade and not conquest

North America’s government developed in response to Bacon’s Rebellion

Wars of Commerce

• Europeans were in direct competition and conflict over commerce due to Zero-sum paradigm

Mercantile Wars were a series of three wars that the English and Dutch fought over the control of commerce

Wars of Louis XIV took place as Louis XIV wanted to expand territory claims to the south and the east

War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714)

• Treaty of Utrecht (1713-1714)

Colonial wars happened due to the growth of consumer goods from America

• Seven Years’ War