Rise of the West

Period IV: 1450-1750

Do Now: Write a thesis statement that answers the question:

What caused the rise of the west?

Do Now: Write a thesis statement that answers the question:

What caused the rise of the west?

Aim: What caused the rise of the west? Aim: What caused the rise of the west?

What led to the Rise of the WestWhat led to the Rise of the West

Environmental Theory

Cultures are the product of location and natural resources. Europe rose to power because of its immense natural advantages such as the availability of mineral resources, climate, rivers, natural harbors. This gave them a “head Start” over other cultures.

Cultures are the product of location and natural resources. Europe rose to power because of its immense natural advantages such as the availability of mineral resources, climate, rivers, natural harbors. This gave them a “head Start” over other cultures.

Oppression Theory

Europe rose to power due to evil actions such as ethnocentrism, colonialism, imperialism, and racism. Europe rose to power due to evil actions such as ethnocentrism, colonialism, imperialism, and racism.

D’Souza’s Theory

Europe rose to power due to its invention and use of three institutions: Science (experimentation, progress, technology), democracy (government based on

Enlightenment ideals), and capitalism (Economics based on natural laws, development).

Europe rose to power due to its invention and use of three institutions: Science (experimentation, progress, technology), democracy (government based on

Enlightenment ideals), and capitalism (Economics based on natural laws, development).

INITIAL DISADVANTAGESFeudalism Created social classes

Decentralized gov’t – strong nobles who raised their own armies –

constant warfareEconomy was weak – wanted eastern

goods but had nothing to tradePoor location – away from trade

routes

ADVANTAGESCentralized Nation-States emergeCompetition among nations led to

centralized gov’tNeed for Eastern goods led to search for new trade routes –

waterLocation becomes centralized

with use of Atlantic Ocean

Political

INITIAL DISADVANTAGESBlack Death, famine and war killed

almost 50% of popMany different languages, customs,

traditions divide peopleSmall population compared to other

civ’s, not unitedResources depleted! (forests, crops,

land)

ADVANTAGESLabor shortage – end of serfdom

Immunity to disease – helped conquer New World

Competition led to warfare – development of weapons and tactics

Nationalism developed – desire to succeed for one’s nation

Population

The Black Death…was it really that bad?

(Can skip 2:45 – 4:06)

Film Clip

INITIAL DISADVANTAGES Religion was questioned and

challenged during Black Death (fear, doubt, etc.)

Persecution of heretics, Jews, Muslims, “witches” were

commonNeed to raise money for charity

– tithe, indulgences – led to corruption

Protestant Reformation – split RC Church, wars

ADVANTAGESNew Secular outlook – new desire to

experiment and discover – individualism, Humanism

Split in church led to Missionary Expeditions to spread ideasKings gain power over Pope

Religion

INITIAL DISADVANTAGESEducation was very limited – elite and

priestsChurch dominated – Gothic

architectureBeliefs in Bible, manuscripts, life is

sufferingMost technology is devoted to warfare

ADVANTAGESPrinting Press (Johann Gutenberg) – spreads

new ideas rapidlyNew trade routes encourage new technology

and ideasDevelopment of weapons, caravels, compass, etc. enables travel and power of small armies

Renaissance – Humanism – individual accomplishments (Science, art, exploration)

Intellectual/ Technological

RISE UPSuch is the way of the worldYou can never knowJust where to put all your faithAnd how will it grow

Gonna rise upBurning back holes in dark memoriesGonna rise upTurning mistakes into gold

Such is the passage of timeToo fast to foldAnd suddenly swallowed by signsLow and behold

Gonna rise upFind my direction magneticallyGonna rise upThrow down my ace in the hole

Can you relate any of the lyrics to the events that

led to the Rise of the West?

Rise Song