Week One: Not As Obvious As It Seems

When discussing the early modern era of 1450-1750, it is normal to think of topics such as the Scientific Revolution, European control, liberation, etc. However, it is intriguing to realize the fact that these developments were not as predictable back then. 

While Europe did have power, it was not nearly as strong as it would later come to be. China and Japan had control of European missionaries and merchants and African authorities set the terms for slave trade. Not even their religion was impacted as it later was. It was Islam that was primarily spread. 

Keeping this in mind when picturing ourselves in this time, there would be know way to know for certain that Europe would rise to the superior role. 

This thought also applies to other aspects, but because of their uncertainties, many would argue the early modern era to be a late agrarian era. 

There was no way to assume that modern industrialization would even occur. Gender equality was not a present idea. Women were still treated lesser than men. Many countries, including Europe, China, and India, continued to live in occurrence to their individual long-established ways and traditional principles. 

As we look at history now, we already know what is going to occur. Yet the most interesting thought to me was the idea that these early people had no clue on how their society would develop, the same way we do not know how our society will modernize and progress.