From Regional to Global Connections: Atlantic Slave Trade, the Protestant Reformation, and Absolutism

The time period of the 1500-1800s was a period of great change. The world was just beginning to evolve into the modern civilization we know today. Several major events took place during this time period including, but not limited, to the Atlantic Slave Trade, the Protestant Reformation, and the age of Absolutism. There were many positive, and negative events that occurred during this time period, and each one had a significant impact on the world.

One major change that the world saw was the Atlantic Slave Trade. The Atlantic Slave Trade, which was initiated by Portuguese sailors, goes down as one of the most barbaric events in history. The Atlantic Slave Trade brought an enormous number of slaves to the America’s which grew the population substantially. Also, the Atlantic Slave Trade had a great impact on the rest of the world’s economy. Due to the amount of goods being produced with little to no cost of labor the economy of the rest of the world grew substantially. Meanwhile, the country of Africa was ripped apart, ravaged by violence, and suffered tremendously in general. During this time the economy of Africa changed considerably, and went on to become one of the poorest parts of the world. Unfortunately, the effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade are still lasting today even years after emancipation. With parts of Africa being overwhelmed by poverty, and the great divide it caused between people of Caucasian and African descent the effects of which are still felt today.

Another significant change that the world saw during the 1800s was the start of the Protestant Reformation. At the beginning of the 1500s the majority of people in the Western Hemisphere belonged to the Catholic church, which was run by the pope. The Protestant Reformation brought fourth new ideas of religion, and several new Christian churches were formed and these churches were called Protestant churches. During this time European’s suffered in part due to warfare that was initiated by extreme religious leaders who thought they were carrying out God’s work in the form of war. Religion driven violence wreaked havoc on many Europeans, many facing untimely death due to religious choices or ideas differing from most commonly accepted religious practices. In addition to warfare, the religious changes occurring in the world led to a significant amount of witch hunts for people who were believed to be evil. According to our text, over 100,000 people, the majority of which were women, were hunted and forced to go to trial because they were thought to have been using magic to cause sinister things to happen. During the “witch hunt” era approximately 50,000 people were condemned to death due to the belief that they were witches. Although the Protestant Reformation caused terrible events to occur, such as the witch hunts, diseases, and warfare, the revolt led to the religious freedom in which we are accustomed to in today’s society. As a result of the Protestant Reformation a plethora of denominations were formed, people were given more of choice when it came to religion, and the Catholic church was greatly weakened.

Along with the Protestant Reformation, and the Atlantic Slave Trade the world also saw momentous changes politically. The introduction of Absolutism style of government was gaining popularity, and it portrayed a style of government where the monarch was not forced to comply with other sources. The Absolutism style of government gave an immense amount of power to the monarchs and gave them the ability to do what they pleased without fear of repercussions. According to our text, by the time the 1800s came around the Absolutism style of government was the main form of government in Europe. However, the 18th century brought about the Enlightenment era which represented a change in the way many monarchs ruled. The Enlightenment period created the idea of rulers wanting to rule in advantage of his/her people. This idea changed the way government was viewed and was a stepping stone for modern day government.

In conclusion, a more integrated world resulted in an economy that could be referred to as “global” for the first time in recorded history. Trade of goods reached far beyond borders to areas with all new environments, with unseen wildlife and cultures. This allowed for cultures to learn different economic strategies and ideas, broadening horizons for cultures and jump starting what would be future countries far and wide. From religious changes, to cultural changes, to political changes, the period of 1500-1800 is the foundation of modern life. Although there were many negatives that occurred as a result of the integration of the world, without each and every event that took place we wouldn’t have the world we live in today.