The early modern era includes "globalization, distinct 'modern' societies and a growing European presence in world affairs…".
Globalization - through shipping and trade routes countries are able to explore distant lands and colonize them for their own specific use.
Distinct modern societies - although there is no industrial revolution, societies are building on the technologies of the past. Ships have better ranges, mapmaking becomes more sophisticated, navigation through the use of stars and the discovery of different currents (atlantic) open up a wide variety of opportunities.
Leading to a growing European presence in the world. Because of the proximity of Europe to the Atlantic ocean they were able to discover new lands, branch out and take over to benefit the home country. There was very little regard for the natives who already inhabited the land. This allowed the European countries to compete with the resource rich Eurasian areas. Europe needed more land to support greater commerce in agriculture and livestock.
Exploitation is the consistent theme with all of the conquering countries. They had no remorse about taking over other lands and people. Silver mining from Spanish America, Fur trade from North America and Siberia enabled the Europeans to break into the Asian markets. In order to support the vast labor need, many countries also stole people from Africa and sold them into slavery.
Another interesting key point to this era was the expansion of the major religions and science. This led to different factions breaking away from Christianity. Eastern Orthodox was at odds with Western Christianity which was agains the spread of Islam and lead to the beginning of the crusades.
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