15th Century Empires & Columbian Exchange PDF

15th Century Empires, the Columbian Exchange, and Social Hierarchy in Spanish America Overview In the 15th century, several major empires dominated the world stage, including the Spanish, Portuguese, Ottoman, Mughal, and Ming empires. This was also the era of the Columbian Exchange, where the "Old...

15th Century Empires, the Columbian Exchange, and Social Hierarchy in Spanish America Overview In the 15th century, several major empires dominated the world stage, including the Spanish, Portuguese, Ottoman, Mughal, and Ming empires. This was also the era of the Columbian Exchange, where the "Old World" and "New World" were connected through the voyages of Christopher Columbus and others. The social hierarchy that emerged in the Spanish colonies of the Americas was heavily influenced by both the existing power structures in Europe and the new dynamics created by this global exchange. 15th Century Empires The 15th century saw the rise and expansion of several powerful empires around the world: Ottoman Empire Islamic empire based in modern-day Turkey, the Ottoman Empire expanded rapidly in the 15th century, conquering Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and establishing control over much of southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Tolerant to others much more so than the Europeans of the time. e.g the millet system allowing religious communities other than Islam govern themselves. While the Ottomans were relatively tolerant they did tax non-muslims and ruled directly over all of their subjects. The Ottoman conquest of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 hastened the European exploration of the world in search for new trade routes to Asia. Mughal Empire Based in the Indian Subcontinent, the Islamic Mughals basically had to be tolerant of the majority religion Hindu population giving them some government positions and semi-autonomy. Ming Dynasty In China, the Ming Dynasty ruled from 1368 to 1644 and oversaw a period of cultural, economic, and technological advancement. The Ming were active in maritime exploration, sending admiral Zheng He on voyages across the Indian Ocean. Dominating the region of east Asia they amazed wealth trading valuable items like silk and porcelain. African Empires of Mali and Songhai Songhai, and its precursor Mali, were leaders of trade, wealth and education in west Africa. The city of Timbukto was renowned for its organization, library and wealth from gold, salt and slave trading. Spanish Empire The Kingdom of Spain emerged as a dominant force in Europe, uniting the crowns of Aragon and Castile. The Spanish were early participants in the Age of Exploration, sponsoring the voyages of Christopher Columbus which led to the colonization of the Caribbean and parts of the Americas. The Spanish colonization of the Americas brought the beginning of the end for the indigenous population. Forced work in the Encomienda system and the impact of Eurasian disease caused the catastrophic decline of the native population. Portuguese Empire The Portuguese were also major players in the Age of Exploration, establishing colonies and trading outposts in Africa, Asia, and South America. Their control of the spice trade in the Indian Ocean made Portugal a wealthy and influential power. The Columbian Exchange The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread exchange of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and ideas between the Eastern and Western hemispheres that occurred after Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas in the late 15th century. This included the introduction of crops like corn, potatoes, and tomatoes to Europe, as well as the spread of smallpox, measles, and other diseases that devastated indigenous populations in the Americas. Social Hierarchy in Spanish America The social hierarchy that emerged in the Spanish colonies of the Americas was influenced by both European and indigenous power structures: At the top were the Spanish Peninsulares, colonial administrators, and Catholic clergy. These were the ruling elite.  Below them were the Creoles - people of Spanish descent born in the colonies. Next were the Mestizos and Mulattos, people of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent, and African and indigenous descent. The Indios were the indigenous people who survived the disease epidemics and Spanish conquest. At the very bottom were the African slaves, most of whom were brought to the colonies to work on plantations and in mines. Even with a strict social system the Spanish attempted to make everyone “Spanish” by religious conversion, language laws, etc. This hierarchical system reinforced Spanish control and racial divisions in colonial society.