AP World History Writings November 2020

The Protestant Reformation The Protestant Reformation was a religious upheaval that divided Roman Catholics from each other in the early 16th century. In 1517, a German priest named Martin Luther criticized the sale of indulgences by the church, which began the reformation. The sale of indulgences was a donation of money by catholics so that they would be guaranteed access to heaven when they died. Indulgences were sold by professional pardoners who were hired by the church. Controversially, “the sale of indulgences exceeded the official parameters of church doctrine; unscrupulous quaestores might promise eternal salvation (rather than just a remission of time in purgatory) in exchange for funds, or threaten damnation to those who refused” (Burton 1). In reality, the money that catholics were giving was going to fund the luxurious life of the popes. Martin Luther then wrote a document called the Ninety-Five Theses, which was a proposition which began the debate over the legitimacy of the indulgences. Martin Luther took his document and became famous over “allegedly nailing it to the door of a church in Wittenberg” (Strayer 645). This document made light of wrongs made by the Roman Catholic Church, and publicly began the debate over the criticized topic of the lush life the popes led. More than ever, “popes claimed temporal (political) as well as spiritual power. They commanded armies, made political alliances and enemies, and, sometimes, even waged war” (Khan Academy 1). Popes were being seen less as religious figures and more as political leaders, which altered the face of catholicism. The ending of the Reformation is debated, but many attest it to being “the 1555 Peace of Augsburg, which allowed for the coexistence of Catholicism and Lutheranism in Germany” (History 1). Martin Luther was excommunicated because of his rebellious actions by the Diet of Worms. The reformation took place in Germany. The Reformation caused the beginning of one of the three major parts of Chrisitanity, which is Protestantism. Protestantism practices the beliefs that freedom from sins is dependent on God and the merits of a person. Protestants believe that followers should each read the bible for themselves to develop their own understanding and interpretation of God’s word, and they should not just go along with everything that they are told by others of that religion. This branch of Chritianity had beliefs that went against the leaders of the Roman Catholic church, making it seem like a threat. Indian Ocean Trade The Indian Ocean is an ocean that stretches between the Southern tips of Africa to Australia, for more than 6,200 miles. It makes up one-fifth of the world’s oceans. Surrounding countries of this ocean are “Iran, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh to the north; the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands of Indonesia, and Australia to the east; Antarctica to the south; and Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to the west. In the southwest it joins the Atlantic Ocean south of the southern tip of Africa, and to the east and southeast its waters mingle with those of the Pacific Ocean” (Kanayev 1). The trade routes of the Indian ocean connected all of these places to each other in one way or another. It has played a significant role in the development of civilizations around the world. This area of trade had more people and goods than the silk road, but it is not as well known due to the fact that Europeans were not involved until much later in its existence. The Indian Ocean is known for its drastic monsoon winds. These winds made it easy for trade boats to cruise through the body of water, making trade efficient on sailboats. These winds were very predictable, making trade consistent and allowing navigators the security of when to travel between destinations for the greatest outcome. Early maritime navigators could tell trade ships what time of year to leave their destination for smooth sailing on the monsoon winds to ensure efficient and effective trips between trade destinations. Trade was dominated by muslim merchants in this area because they had the finances to erect the ships and journeys. It is also important to note that trade was not based on political leaders and their ideas of how their country would run, but rather trade depended on supply and demand for the people of trading ports. This exchange of goods was very peaceful, except for a few pirates here and there. Before european involvement, the trade ships did not need navy protection when sailing and could rather smoothly know that the winds were consistent and they were mostly safe. Europeans began to appear in the Indian Ocean in 1498. Portuegse sailors were the first to enter because of the fact that “European demand for Asian luxury goods was extremely high” (Szczepanski 1). Europe did not have goods to trade that were in need of the people of the Indian ocean, such as wool, fur clothing, iron cooking pots, or other European goods. The Portugese ended up entering the trade as pirates and seized port cities, looting goods they were in need of. Muslims were mainly targeted by them because they wer “Still scarred by the Moorish Umayyad conquest of Portugal and Spain (711–788), they viewed Muslims in particular as the enemy and took every opportunity to plunder their ships” (Szczepanski 1). Commodities that were traded pre-european invasion in the 700 years before the 16th century were silk, porcelain, spices, incense, and ivory, along with other things. Indian Ocean trade is significant to world history because it was the largest sea-based trading network in this time frame, and showed China’s dominance and skill in trade. Part II – Short Answer (10 Points) The definition of globalization is “the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.” While globalization today may be thought of as technological connection, the beginning of globalization had more to do with trade and connection between countries. The early modern period, which took place between the years 1450-1750, is the time period in which Europe began really expanding and building empires. They dominate almost all world affairs, from trade to land ownership. This time period comes after Marco Polo, and is when many huge land empires expand such as the Ottoman and Islamic Mughal empires. The “interconnection of the Eastern and Western hemispheres made possible by transoceanic voyaging marked a key transformation of this period” (Freeman 1), which already gives an example of the beginning of globalization, by different parts of the world having connection to each other that previously did not. Technological advancements by Europeans include shipbuilding and gunpowder to enhance their place in global trade. Patterns of trade routes became easier to navigate through and determine when to travel on for optimized success in transporting goods. The “changing patterns of long-distance trade included the global circulation of some commodities and the formation of new regional markets and financial centers increased trans-regional and global trade networks facilitated the spread of religion and other elements of culture as well as the migration of large numbers of people. Germs carried to the Americas ravaged the indigenous peoples, while the global exchange of crops and animals altered agriculture, diets, and populations around the planet” (Freeman 1). The development of the world trade routes affected many nations differently, some better than others. Europeans were thriving with all the land they dominated and all the goods they owned from other cultures, while other places around the world were hurting at the hands of the Europeans. At this time, the world’s economic endeavors were primarily controlled by European influence. In this time period is when the Americas became prominent in world history. Their first connection to globalization is when Christopher Columbus discovered the land and indigenous people living there, leading to a genocide of thousands from European disease. The Columbian Exchange brings the Americas into global trade, which leads new diseases and crops to be distributed throughout the world. The technological advancements that Europeans achieved “allowed European empires to form and exercise a more prominent role in world affairs, eventually leading to colonialism” (Kaplan 1). Colonialism did not just happen in the Americas, but also Africa, Australia, Asia, and other places around the world. The colonization of African tribes led to the people being forced to travel to the Americas and Europe on slave ships to work on plantations in brutal conditions, and Indigenous people were forced out of their land. These trade affairs that took place around the world, such as the Indian Ocean and the Triangular Trade Route, led to countries beginning to connect with each other, which can be deemed the beginning of globalization. Although trade in the Indian Ocean is known as the largest trading area pre-European colonization, the dawn of globalization really began with the Columbian exchange. Trade of commodities in the Western world began globalization in the West. The slave trade was a major part of the Colombian exchange which founded globalization, because “the expansion of the slave trade expanded was dramatic during the seventeenth century - and it sustained the expansion of Atlantic Economy, giving birth to integrated economic/industrial systems across the Ocean” (UPenn 1). With the age of exploration, the development of the global economy, and the colombian exchange all taking place in this time period, it is safe to say that this is when the globalization of the world really began. With all factors into consideration, it is definite that in the modern era,“the previously separate worlds of Afro-Eurasia, the Americas, and Pacific Oceania became inextricably linked, with enormous consequences for everyone involved. Global empires, a global economy, global cultural exchanges, global migrations, global disease, global wars, and global environmental changes” (Strayer 531), all can be held accountable for connection between areas. By exploring each part of the world in which trade, disease, wars, and empires took place, the dawn of globalization in the early modern area becomes prominent to world history. Part III – Reflection (10 Points) When maintaining and administering an empire, control of trade routes is integral to the success of the empire. In history, many of the most successful and prosperous empires have been ones with strong trading routes and ports, that have strong connections to the rest of the world. By building and maintaining roads to allow for efficient merchant travel, innovating and building stunning trade ships, and having goods to offer, empires can advance their societies and become known as the greatest and hold power. As contact between different cultures grows with trade, “ideas and cultural practices spread, particularly in the areas of language, religion, and art. International trade led to the establishment of trade emporiums which in turn often developed into colonies. As the competition for resources and access to lucrative trade routes intensified, wars often then resulted when rulers looked to seize the riches of rival states and empires” (Cartwright 1). Learning more about other cultures can aid in war and negotiation. For empires like that of the Mongols, “the Mongolians viewed trade as critical to the maintaining of their empire, they implanted certain political policies geared towards encouraging trade” (O’brien 1). The Pax Mongolica also allowed for peaceful trade throughout their own empire and minimal warfare. Trade allows empires to become familiar with each other, which may be useful in war when allies are needed. In the 14th century occurred one of the worst outcomes of trade ever, which is when a plague was spread throughout Europe by trade ships at trading ports in the Mediterranean. Millions died, and this death ravaged the continent of Europe. Pirates can also affect trade by looting ships or locking down ports. This goes to show that trade also has its downsides too, and is not always smooth sailing. Trade best helps the economy grow for a civilization, bringing in new materials for an empire to give the empire strength. In the Indian Ocean, peaceful trading routes guided by consistent monsoon winds made trade easy and efficient, which helped all of the empires involved grow, including the Chinese who dominated this area. The entire east coast of Africa, along with India, Southeastern Asia, China, and Australia were all involved in this trade. Cultural exchange helped the empires grow and learn more about their neighbors. Overall, trade deeply benefits an empire and the administration of it. Trade helps empires thrive by giving them access to material that will help them prosper. When cities have access to new technology and crops, the city advances farther than other cities so the people of the empire are proud of where they live. People want to be ahead of everywhere else and proud of where they live so they will stay in the empire, which allows the empire to grow. When an empire has a surplus of a material, they can export what they have to import new things. One empire who imported many new foods to sell on their land was the British empire. Interesting enough, “Britain was also one of the first countries to go through an industrial revolution, which meant that it was able to trade industrial products for agricultural products. For example, Britain could trade iron, coal, and clothing, and in return get cotton, spices and other food products” (O’Brien 1). The British empire is known as one of the largest and longest empires in history. The economy of an empire can grow dramatically due to trade, from bringing in materials and selling imported materials to the people of an empire for more money than purchased for. Cities along trade routes throughout history, on land or water, such as the Silk road or the Incense route, brought in money by “providing services to merchants and acting as international marketplaces” (Met 1). Trade allows both empires involved to become richer, and often develops good relations which can be useful in war. The people of an empire will be happy with their prosperous empire who has many connections to the rest of the world, and they will stay in that empire. One of the most successful trading empires are the Chinese, who are knowing for being dominant in trading routes and areas, “since they had larger and superior ships, as well as more advanced technology, living standards and global influence compared to Western countries” (Intrepid Sourcing 1). Trade routes benefitted all empires along it because they were“the communications highways of the ancient world. New inventions, religious beliefs, artistic styles, languages, and social customs, as well as goods and raw materials, were transmitted by people moving from one place to another to conduct business” (Met 1). Overall, trade benefits an empire and allows for growth. It is beneficial in world affairs, such as when needing allies for war. Out of religious uniformity, technological superiority, and control of trade routes, controlling trade routes is the most beneficial aspect to administering an empire. Works Cited History.com Editors. “The Reformation.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/reformation/reformation. “An Introduction to the Protestant Reformation (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/renaissance-and-reformation/protestant-reformation/a/an-introduction-to-the-protestant-reformation. Burton, Tara Isabella. “The Protestant Reformation, Explained.” Vox, Vox, 2 Nov. 2017, www.vox.com/identities/2017/11/2/16583422/the-protestant-reformation-explained-500-years-martin-luther-christianity-95-theses. “Trade and Transportation.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/place/Indian-Ocean/Trade-and-transportation. Szczepanski, Kallie. “Indian Ocean Trade Routes.” ThoughtCo, www.thoughtco.com/indian-ocean-trade-routes-195514. “Early Modern (1450-1750).” Freemanpedia, www.freeman-pedia.com/earlymodern. Emmacalderwood, and Emmacalderwood. “AP World History: Modern - Period 2 Notes (1450-1750).” Kaplan Test Prep, 24 Aug. 2020, www.kaptest.com/study/ap-world-history/ap-world-history-modern-period-2-notes-1450-1750/. History.com Editors. “The Reformation.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/reformation/reformation. “Trade in the Ancient World.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, www.ancient.eu/collection/39/trade-in-the-ancient-world/. About the author Author: Bennett O'BrienBennett O'Brien is a freelance writer from the state of Massachusetts in the United States. He holds a bachelor's degree from Westfield State University, et al. “3 Historical Empires That Had a Strong Impact on Global Trade.” Trade Ready, 18 May 2016, www.tradeready.ca/2015/trade-takeaways/3-historical-empires-strong-impact-global-trade/. Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/trade/hd_trade.htm.

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