Early Modern World

Introduction: What is the "Early Modern" era?

Hello everyone! How is your history studying going? Many of you might feel that "history is just about rote memorization," but don't worry. The "Early Modern" period is like a grand adventure story, where a fragmented world begins to be connected through the "seas."
In this chapter, we will learn about the Age of Discovery, the rise of European absolute monarchies, and the powerful empires of Asia (such as the Qing and Mughal Empires). Let's explore together where the "roots" of our current global society lie!

1. The Age of Discovery: The world connected by the "seas"!

From the late 15th century to the 16th century, Europeans ventured across the seas to reach all corners of the globe. This is called the Age of Discovery.

Why did they head out to sea?

The reasons are simple: "Spices" and "Christianity."
In Europe at the time, spices like black pepper—used to mask the odor of meat—were traded at prices as high as gold. However, because land routes were controlled by the Ottoman Empire, they decided to jump into the seas and "go buy them directly!"

• Portugal: Aimed for India by sailing eastward. Vasco da Gama successfully opened the sea route to India!
• Spain: Aimed for India by sailing westward. Columbus reached the American continent (though he believed it was India).
• Magellan’s expedition: Achieved the first circumnavigation of the globe, proving that the Earth is round.

【Key Point】 Focus on the circulation of silver!
Massive amounts of silver discovered in the Americas flowed through Europe into China (Ming/Qing dynasties). This completed a world-scale trade network.

Fun fact: The reason we can eat potato chips today is thanks to potatoes being brought over from the Americas during this era!

2. The Renaissance and the Reformation: An update to ways of thinking

Until the Middle Ages, the dominant belief was "God is supreme!" However, as we entered the Early Modern period, movements valuing human freedom and individuality began to emerge.

The Renaissance (Cultural Rebirth)

A "human-centered" cultural movement that began in Italy. Figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are famous examples. Thanks to the spread of the "printing press," knowledge began to reach ordinary people as well.

The Reformation

This began when Luther of Germany criticized the practices of the Roman Catholic Church (such as the sale of indulgences).

• Protestants: A new group that insisted, "The Bible is everything!"
• Catholics: The group that upheld tradition. They founded the Jesuits to focus on overseas missionary work (e.g., Francis Xavier).

【Common Mistake】
The Reformation was not a "movement to quit Christianity." It was a "movement to correct the way Christianity was being practiced." Don't get that wrong!

3. The Formation of Sovereign States and Absolute Monarchy

During this period, forms of government close to the modern "nation-state" began to emerge. This was the arrival of "Absolute Monarchy," where the king held absolute power.

Characteristics of Absolute Monarchy

Kings proclaimed the "Divine Right of Kings" (The king's power is granted by God!) and ruled the country by maintaining a bureaucracy and a standing army.

• Spain: Philip II ("The empire on which the sun never sets")
• England: Elizabeth I (Established the East India Company)
• France: Louis XIV (Known as the "Sun King," he built the Palace of Versailles)

The Thirty Years' War and the Sovereign State System

After the Thirty Years' War (1618–48), an international religious war fought primarily in Germany, ended, the Peace of Westphalia was signed. This established the rules of the sovereign state system, where "each country holds equal sovereignty and does not interfere with one another."

【Key Point: Mercantilism】
Because wars were expensive, kings tried to enrich their countries by promoting trade. This is called mercantilism.

4. The Powerful Empires of Asia

While Europeans were venturing out to sea, huge empires were also flourishing in Asia. These are sometimes called "Gunpowder Empires" because they possessed powerful military capabilities.

China: From the Ming to the Qing

The Ming renovated the Great Wall, and the Qing built one of the largest territories in Chinese history. The eras of the Kangxi Emperor and Qianlong Emperor of the Qing were periods when both the economy and culture were in prime form!

The Prosperity of Islamic Powers

• Ottoman Empire: Ruled from the Mediterranean to West Asia. They controlled Mediterranean trade.
• Mughal Empire: Ruled over India. Akbar adopted policies of religious tolerance, and Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal.

【Key Point】
It is a perspective often tested in common exams that at the time, Asia (especially China and India) was economically wealthier than Europe.

Summary: Reflecting on this chapter

In a nutshell, the "Early Modern" era is "a time when the world was connected through the seas by silver and spices, and governed by powerful kings and emperors in various regions."

• Age of Discovery: The integration of the world began.
• Reformation/Renaissance: People's ways of thinking changed.
• Absolute Monarchy: The prototype for the modern "nation-state" was created.
• Asian Empires: Existed as extremely wealthy and powerful nations.

It might feel difficult at first because of all the names, but don't worry! If you start by fitting "who, where, and what they did" together like a puzzle, the flow will naturally become clear. Good luck—I'm rooting for you!