Introduction: Rise of European Empires
The period between 1500 through 1750 is described as an age of empire. This is because it marked the period when European powers colonized the Americas. Similarly, this period also marked the expansion of several other empires, including the Russian Empire when the Russians encroached Siberia in Asia, the expansion of the Mughal Empire in Southern Asia, the expansion of the Chinese Empire when it moved into inner Asia, and the expansion of the Turkish Ottoman Empire when it seized Vienna and Constantinople. The European impact on the rest of the world in the early modern period was especially significant during this time of rapid imperial growth.
Europe emerged as a global leader in technology and science. The events leading to the colonization of the Americas set the stage for the domination of the world by European powers. Decisions made in Europe could influence several aspects in the rest of the world. The continent mustered the power to rule over countries in the years following 1500 C.E.
Long-Term Effects and Modern Debate
To this day, Europe still dominates the world as reflected by the large number of people in the world who have incorporated the use of wide-ranging European languages and cultural values and norms in their day-to-day lives. European impact on the rest of the world in the early modern period has increasingly sparked controversial debates years later among diverse forums.
On the one hand, proponents argue that Europe justified its colonization of the Americas and Africa by introducing its system of government to the rest of the world. On the other hand, the opponents criticize the colonization and creation of empires by European nations claiming that it violated the sovereignty of those colonized by destroying their ways of living and cultural values. I argue against Europe’s colonization and expansion of its influence on the rest of the world because it led to negative implications in its wake.
Opposing Stances on Colonization
Technological Superiority and Global Domination
European nations dominated the rest of the world during the early modern era because they had leading technology and science. The inception of European colonization of the rest of the world began with Columbus’ successful voyage to the Americas (Strayer and Nelson 554). This paved the way for the Spanish to colonize the early civilizations of Aztecs and Incas in the present-day United Mexican States (informally, Mexico). The Dutch, French, and British expanded their empires on the eastern coast of North America (Strayer and Nelson 554). The Portuguese established colonial outposts in Brazil.
Destruction of Native Cultures
However remarkable the European conquest of the world seemed, it certainly came at a higher cost, especially to the colonized parties. Notably, the arrival of white settlers in the Americas set the stage for decimating Native American communities in those parts of the country (Strayer and Nelson 557). Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the Americas, the Aztecs and Incas empires had thrived all on their own. These groups had drawn their borders and lived in harmony with one another. Native American societies also cherished their cultural and religious values.
All this suddenly came to a halt following the arrival of the Europeans in this part of the world. The Europeans introduced new cultural norms and values, replacing the normative ways practiced by communities in the past. The decimation of culture is irreparable as it promotes the annihilation of wide-ranging norms, values, and beliefs peculiar to a particular community.
Widespread Disease and Population Decline
The colonization of the Americas additionally caused the deaths of many Native American communities. Before the arrival of European nations in the Mesoamerican and Andean zones, approximately 80 million pre-Columbian people lived in these regions (Strayer and Nelson 558). European settlers brought with them numerous ailments, to which the pro-Columbian populace lacked acquired immunities from which to defend themselves against attacks.
Some of the diseases that emanated from the Old World (Europe and Asia) included yellow fever, typhus, measles, malaria, influenza, and smallpox (Strayer and Nelson 558). Several Native American peoples became exposed to most of these diseases once they encountered the new settlers from Europe. Exposure to these diseases caused the death of several natives belonging to the Aztecs and Incas empires.
Research reveals that up to 90% of the pro-Columbian populace was reduced due to exposure to such diseases (Strayer and Nelson 558). The densely populated societies in the Caribbean vanished within 50 years. Central Mexico had a populace of up 20 million before the Spanish colonization. By 1650, this number had reduced to only 1 million (Strayer and Nelson 559). Smallpox outbreak is perceived as the primary disease that caused several deaths among the Aztecs and Incas peoples and the Native Americans in North America. To that end, the European impact on the rest of the world in the early modern period brought dire implications for both the peace and livelihoods of colonized parties.
Interestingly, history reminds us how global health crises can reshape societies. A more recent example of this can be seen in the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on businesses and human lives, a modern echo of how disease can upend economic and social systems worldwide.
Proposing Argument: Cultural Influence and Development
Governance and Global Languages
The colonization of the Americas and the rest of the world that occurred during the early modern era also had its ups. In particular, European nations taught newer cultural norms, values, and beliefs (Strayer and Nelson 553). The colonization of the Americas also paved the way for incorporating a new system of governance into the colonies.
In hindsight, it is remarkable to realize that the United States of America was shaped in the ways of the British Crown. Likewise, many European languages remain influential and are still used widely. English is a common communication tool for many people across all continents.
Economic Development and Global Legacy
To that end, European impact on the rest of the world in the early modern period laid the foundation for the development of thriving economies in the world.
Conclusion: Lasting Effects of Colonization
A review of both stances concerning the subject matter certainly accepts the opposing arguments in this debate. From a personal standpoint, I strongly agree that European impact on the rest of the world in the early modern period led to the development of negative implications. These effects include decimating the cultural values and norms of several native communities. It also led to the deaths of the pro-Columbian native populace living in Mesoamerican and Andean zones at the time.
Struggling with a related assignment?
Our team of professionals is just a click away to help you ace your homework. Click Order Now to get expert assistance today!