Introduction to Part 4

Introduction to Part 4

The years from roughly 1450 to 1750 are characterized as the early modern era. Signs of globalization and modernization throughout the world included population growth, increase in trade, scientific discoveries, more global affairs, cultural and political transformation, and colonization. Still though, traditional principles were not totally displaced by modern ways during this time. It is interesting to me how Strayer is careful to characterize these three centuries as an early modern era and "late agrarian" era because it demonstrates how this time was a complex combination of old and new trends in terms of trade, culture, religion, politics, and science that cannot be oversimplified. He even emphasizes that it was "less an entry into the modern era" (549).

Keeping this notion in mind, that the early modern era was more of a combination of old and new ways, helps us have a clearer understanding of where we are today. In this class, we are going to be concerned with defining the era that we live in as of today. This early era from roughly 450 to 1750, though the foundation for the new movement of the modern world, marks only the beginnings of the advanced society we live in today. The fact that these three centuries formed an early modern, late agrarian era, demonstrates how far the world has come along since these three centuries, whether it was characterized through an even greater European presence or the abandoning of more traditional practices.