Political Situation In Europe & Africa During XVI-XVIII Centuries

How did the “New Monarchs” consolidate power? Why were they successful?

“New Monarchs” consolidated their power by reorganizing their policies. Firstly, taxation was key to sponsoring new monarchs and military. This can be seen in France were the gabelle and taille taxes established by Charles VII funded the French monarchy and parliament army for generations. Additionally, the powers, like in the Holy Roman Empire, extrapolated power from the Pope by favoring other religions like Lutheranism. Lastly, the monarchs took measures to reduce the power of the wealthy class, therefore strengthening their own power. This can be demonstrated when Henry VII of England instituted the Court of Star Chamber where aristocrats were tried and tortured without a jury. The success of these “New Monarchs” can be seen as successful because they were long lasting and reflected Machiavellian principles. This includes being secretive (like in the Court of Star Chamber) and overly concerned about the preservation of the state.

How Did Louis Xi And Charles Vii Valois Help Centralize Power In France?

Charles VII centralized power after expelling the English forces out of France (except for Calais) and reorganizing the Royal Council, giving more authority to middle-class landowners, not nobles. Additionally, controlled taxes which funded the monarchy till the French Revolution, and establishing the first parliament royal army. His army was later developed by his son Louis XI who utilized the army to conquer Burgundy, Anjou, Bar, Maine, and Provence. He also used the army to subside urban independence and control the noblemen’s private militias. Lastly, Louis XI amped France’s economy by encouraging new industries and joining trade alliances.

How Did The Spanish Inquisition Actually Help Centralize Power For The Spanish Monarchy?

Though Spanish Inquisition was officially started by Queen Isabella in 1748, racist views were already present. Anti-Semitism views drew Spaniards to force Muslims and Jews to Christianity-calling them “New Christians.” The “New Christians” were hated by many - Aristocrats despising their financial success, the poor resenting converso tax collectors, and the clergy refusing the sincerity of their conversions. This shared hatred brought Spaniards somewhat together, despite the fact that Spain was not unified at the time. When Isabella issued Spanish Inquisition in 1492, the idea of having “pure blood” became a widely accepted theory in which served as a foundation for Spanish theology.

Were the Holy Roman Emperors as successful as Western Monarchs at centralizing power? Why or why not?

The Holy Roman Empire was not as successful as the Western Monarchs (France, Spain, and England) due to the fact that the empire was divided into hundreds of principalities. Additionally, these principalities were further split due to religion (put into place by the Peace of Augsburg). Lastly, the Holy Roman Empire was involved in too many wars making it difficult to have a centralized state. Opposingly, the Western monarchs aimed to reduce violence, establish order, and secure borders. These qualities allowed the Western Monarchs to successfully centralize their power.

What devices did Henry VII of England use to check the power of the aristocracy and the strengthening of the monarchy?

Henry VII established the Court of Star Chamber where the accused aristocrats were tried without witnesses or jury for plotting against the monarchy. Though the trails were secret, the torture for exacting truth was feared by aristocrats, therefore scaring them into abiding the monarchs rules.

Why Did A Commercial Revolution Take Place In The 1500s And Why Was It Significant?

The Commercial Revolution took place due to European population growth, the rise of capitalism and the bourgeoisie, and the governmental desire for economic growth. This revolution increased the standard of living (except for the poor), which includes the purchasing of luxury goods like silk, porcelain, and pepper. Additionally, the revolution led to the rise of more powerful nations. These nations later competed in the age of exploration. Finally, The Commercial Revolution also allowed urbanized towns to emerge where immigration was common (resulted in poverty and crime).

The primary causes of European expansion in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries?

The Age of Exploration was driven by the European desire for Asian luxury goods. In order to get these luxury goods, at first, European merchants had to trade through Constantinople. This essential port, however, was sacked by the Ottomans (under Mohammed II) in 1453. This forced the Europeans to seek ways to Asia around Constantinople; looking for the Northwest Passage. Additionally, Europeans wanted to spread Christianity to indigenous peoples in the New World as well as increase their wealth.

Why Was Portugal, Traditionally A Poor Nation, Able To Lead The Way In The Exploration? What Were The Results For Portugal And International Trade?

Due to Portugal’s geographical location, they were able to receive beneficial winds that helped them sail to Africa, the Atlantic islands, and eventually Brazil. This advantage allowed Portuguese sailors like Vasco da Gama to sail around the Cape of Good Hope to India. Additional efforts put forth by Prince Henry the Navigator including funding of explorations and navigation allowed Portugal to succeed in exploration. Portugal’s exploration eventually led to Portugal earning a prominent role in sugar and slave trade as well as their settlement of Brazil and the Atlantic Islands.

What Role Did Technological Advancements Play In Fostering Exploration?

During the Medieval Ages narrow ships with large oars were used to trade across the Mediterranean Sea, however, it was incapable of going long distances. This led to the development of the Portuguese caravel which allowed sailors to travel faster and sturdier to their destinations using three sails. Also, the use of the compass and astrolabe enables navigators to determine their location and direction using magnets and the stars.

Why were the African slaves preferred over the people native to the Americas?

African slaves were preferred over those native to the Americas due to racist principles against the Africans. Because Europeans viewed Africans as savages in all ways (language, war, etc.), racist ideas were formed that were later “justified” by ancient Aristotle teachings (some are destined to slavery) and the Bible (the story of Noah and his cursed son Ham who settled in Northern Africa). Racism led to European believing that they were superior to other groups. This is seen in the Americas where the hacienda system was practiced. Here, many natives were worked or diseased to death. This made natives be seen as weak labor and increased the need for African slaves.

What Was The Columbian Exchange? How Did It Affect The Populations Of Europe In The Americas?

The Columbian Exchange was the trade of disease, crops, goods, and animals across the Atlantic Ocean shared between the Americas and Europe. This exchange allowed American foods like corn and potatoes to be brought to Europe, further increasing European population. Additionally, the Columbian Exchange traded silver and other metals that increased European interest in the colonies. These two factors led to more Europeans traveling to the New World.

How did the influx of silver impact Spain in the sixteenth century? What was the price revolution and what were its causes?

The influx of silver from the mines of the New World led to Spain becoming the world’s foremost metal exporter. The trading of silver let to high inflation in Spain that negatively affected the rich and poor (not as much the middle class). Additionally, the fact that Spain’s population (demand) was increasing while the laborers (supply) decreased due to the Reconquista. Because supply did not meet demand, inflation increased leading to the price revolution. This revolution was the steady rise in prices in Europe during the sixteenth century.

What Are The Greatest Changes Between Life In The 16th And 17th Centuries?

Due to population increase, people began to urbanize communities in the 17th century, opposing the rural lifestyle of the 16th century. Additionally, the price revolution greatly affected the different social classes-the nobles and poor suffering due to inflation while the bourgeoisie rose. Lastly, the trading between Europe and the rest of the world led to a better standard of living for Europeans, allowing them to possess luxury goods and exotic spices. De Las Casas Reading. Being that de las Casas was a Dominican friar, he was very religious and believed that the vicious actions that were taken by the Spanish conquistadors were immoral and wronged Catholic teachings. Instead of taking part in the slaughter of Natives, de las Casas decided to write- recording the events that took place in hopes for change. Europeans brutally conquered the Natives to establish in them a sense of fear, obedience, and respect towards the settlers. Additionally, the Europeans mastered the art of conquest by learning from historical events. Most Indian tribes, however, did not keep written records, only oral word. This made it harder for them to develop a strong opponent for the Europeans.