European Societies
European Societies
 So now we have come to the discussion of the final
ethnic group of our chapter discussion revolving
around Chapters one and two – The Europeans!
 What we have discussed to date are certain given facts
that we know in our attempt to “Do History” and
therefore to understand the foundation of our country
better.
 However, as we proceed and as you internalize this
information (which is the process of thinking) you
must come to some conclusions about what you think.
 And it will be these conclusions in the form of the
under lying questions that must be answered.
Think Different!
In Review – The Colombian Exchange
 Pangea as been resurrected and has reemerged.
 No longer do two ecosystems exist.
 The European ecosystem has invaded the North
American Ecosystem.
 This process, first studied
comprehensively by American
historian Alfred Crosby, was
called the Columbian Exchange.
 The Columbian Exchange is the
movement of plants, animals, and
diseases between the Eastern and
Western hemispheres.
The stage is set: A Cultural Collision
At this point in human history, not only do we have an ecological
collision of germ warfare between the Western Hemisphere (North
America) and the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe)
We also have the stage set for a cultural collision between:
I.
The local Native American tribes who have inhabited the
Americas for thousands of years
II. The adventuresome Europeans whose new navigational
technologies have allowed them to, sail more proficiently
than ever before.
III. And the African tribes whose nomadic and feudal way of
life have placed themselves in a grave cultural warfare.
Native American Societies
When we examined the Native American Societies we
understood:
 There were millions of native people inhabiting
North America prior to Columbus.
 These native people were highly civilized and lived
together in well established communities and cities.
 These people were intellectually advanced in
agriculture, astronomy and finances.
 These people were invaded and lost an ecological
battle and then a cultural battle.
 Once this happened, they were susceptible to being
overcome by the Europeans who were a formidable foe.
Regionally Africa
developing very
differently.
Only 6 domesticated
plants for human use
and no domesticable
animals.
Southern Africa developed
the gold industry.
The African society as a
whole did not develop
as quickly as Europe
Western Africa developed
more quickly because they
eventually were able to
sustain some agriculture.
Central Africa was mostly
jungle and trade was based on
animal skins and ivory.
North eastern Africa
developed a community based
on trade with the Middle East
countries.
This is where the
Africa slave trade
began!
Feudal wars also led to
human trafficking as a
profitable commodity
The Thought Process
 If you have tried to look at the big picture then your
logical thought should be as such:
 A fact, two ecosystems collide, one wins!
 Three ethnic groups collide, one wins! Why?
 We all know the answer, the European ecosystem
overcame the North American ecosystem and the
European culture over came the Native American
Culture and on the way they enslaved the African
culture.
 But why and more how?
Think Different!
The Thought Process
 In fact there are more questions to be asked before we
look at the European societies:
 Did the Europeans outnumber the Native Americans
and the African people?
 Were the Europeans more civilized?
 Did they have a better food source?
 Or did they have better technology which provided
them the edge?
 If so, how did this culture gain the technological
advantage?
Analytical
thinking
European Societies
 Three significant eras from this time period are
recognized that really define the times in Europe during
the 1400-1600’s; The Renaissance Period, the Age of
Exploration and The Reformation.
 The Dark Ages was a period of time in Europe of
intellectual darkness and frequent warfare and a virtual
disappearance of urban life.
 As Europe began to move out of these Dark Ages people
still were overshadowed and overpowered by the Church
and the government. This caused the people to live a life
of fear. They accomplished very little as they did not
want to challenge the status quo.
The age of enlightenment
 As the 1400 and 1500’s were ushered in, people
began to think and to question authority more.
 This new way of thinking began to emerge, more
creativity was encouraged.
 The arts flourished.
 Philosophical approaches to life, religion and
government began to challenge long standing beliefs
and traditions.
 Thinking also led to innovation.
 Innovation led to new technologies.
 In essence people as a whole began to critically
think about their surroundings.
The Renaissance
 The Renaissance (meaning rebirth) is a period in the
history of Europe that began around 1400.
 The period is called by this name because at that time,
people started taking an interest in learning.
 The Renaissance was seen as a "rebirth" of learning
and is often said to be the start of our "modern age".
 It was during this Renaissance period that we saw
many famous artists, writers and philosophers.
 Many people studied math and different sciences.
 Leonardo da Vinci, was considered a Renaissance
man because of his many different academic skills.
The Reformation
 The Reformation was a religious and
political movement that affected the practice
of Christianity across most of Europe.
 Many factors contributed to the process the
decline of feudalism and the transmission of
new knowledge and ideas among scholars.
 The English Reformation was a series of
events by which the Church of England
broke away from the authority of the Roman
Catholic Church.
The Age of Exploration
 The Age of Discovery is the European
overseas expansion that led to the
Columbian Exchange:
 The exchange of plants, animals,
foods, human populations (including
slaves), and culture between the
Eastern and Western hemispheres.
 This is considered one of the most
significant global events concerning
ecology, agriculture, and culture in
history of mankind.
The Enlightenment
 The Enlightenment (or Age of Reason) was a
cultural movement of intellectuals during this
time period
 It first began first in Europe and eventually in the
American colonies.
 Its purpose was to change society using reason,
challenge ideas grounded in tradition and faith,
and advance knowledge through the scientific
method.
 The ideas of the Enlightenment has had a longterm major impact on the culture, politics, and
governments of the United Sates government.
In conclusion
 Why did the Europeans win the cultural
war?
 Why have they been allowed to write
the history of which we study through
their past voices?
 Why do we still have the impact of a
Eurocentric value system on our
American culture today?
 How was it that the European culture
was able to overcome millions of
people who lived in North America?
 How were they able to survive such a
treacherous lifestyle?
In conclusion
 The European Culture:
 Came out of the Dark Ages and the people as a
whole began to “think” critically and challenge
authority.
 The were more innovative in terms of
technology, navigation, weaponry, medicine
and warfare. They were adventuresome.
 They established an edge through the
ecological imperialism that had set the stage for
their victory.
 They believed that it was their right to take the
land and the riches.
 They were persistent and did not give up!