Early homonids rose and humans migrated around the world from Africa, forming early civilizations such as the Han dynasty, the Byzantine Empire, Ancient Greece, Toltecs, and more where humans began to develop relgious and social systems in pursuit of the creation of a complete society.

1200-1450

Powerful empires such as the Mongols, Sudanic Empires, Islamic Empires, and many more took shape around the world, developing further into functioning societies with trade along with other means of interconnectedness vastly spreading ideas and innovations.

1450-1750

Global connections and communication began to thrive in this era with improved technology and innovation. State power began to expand globally, with colonies and further discoveries being made in science, politics, and philosophy. The incorporation of the Americas into the worldwide network brought forth further major economic and political developments while Europe's global influence greatly increased.

Spain and Portugal were both Maritime empires, empires that expanded through naval excursions mainly for the purpose of riches and new land. Both countries held important roles in the Columbian exchange, the global exchange of goods, people, and diseases, all sparked after Columbus; discovery. Thanks to better navigational devices, boats, and funding from rulers, these countries set up colonies in different parts of America, where native people were used as laborers and slaves. They also partook in intense competition with each other for economic power and land.

In Europe...

While conquering in America, back in Europe, Spain and Portugal were entering an era of scientific discovery providing them with new innovations such as compasses, improved maps and boats, weaponry, and more. In Europe they faced threats from the Ottoman Empire, sparking their desire to eradicate the Islamic empire.

Politically, the empire was ruled by sultans with limited power, as the Janissaries controlled the artillery and could overthrow them. Economically, a warrior aristocracy owned land worked by peasants.

The Ottomans followed Sunni Islam and were innovators in military technology, particularly with large cannons and firearms.

Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople, using massive cannons, marked a turning point. He reopened the city to trade and transformed its Christian churches into mosques.

The Battle of Chaldiran marked a significant conflict between the Shi’a Safavids and Sunni Ottomans, with an Ottoman victory leading to a decline in Shi’a conversions.

Economically, the empire relied on a warrior aristocracy that owned land cultivated by peasants.

Shah, Abbas the Great, was a patron of mosques and the arts.

The empire eventually declined due to a lack of suitable successors and invasions.

Akbar, the son of Humayun, was one of India’s greatest leaders. He created Din-I-Ilahi to unite Hindus and Muslims, improved women’s rights, and was a patron of the arts. After his reign, women’s rights declined, and Hindu-Muslim conflicts increased.

The Mughal military used firearms and elephants effectively.

Aurangzeb expanded the empire to its greatest extent but left it vulnerable to invasions.

Cossacks, or soldier-peasants, were recruited to settle newly seized lands. The population was predominantly Christian.

The economy relied on serfdom, with serfs heavily taxed, creating conditions similar to slavery.

Peter the Great westernized Russia by reforming the military, developing a navy, improving weapons, and promoting education in mathematics and science.

Catherine the Great, an enlightened leader, further expanded Russia's territory.

Zheng He trade expeditions: sailed across the Indian Ocean. encouraging all nations to have maritime exploration and trade.

Powerful African empires like the Asante and Dahomey relied on guns, and war led to the capture of slaves.

In the 1800s, abolitionists began to push for the end of the Transatlantic slave trade.

Intellectually, the Mayas were impressive. They built many structures like plazas, pyramids, and ball courts. They also made advancements in math, astronomy, calendars, writing, and art.

The Mayas also borrowed a lot of ideas from the Toltecs, which helped shape their culture.

Most villages were controlled by powerful figures living in manors, which were symbols of wealth and power. Lords were the main political figures at the time.

Crops often failed, and food was scarce. Around 80-90% of the population were serfs, bound to the land in poverty. This period marked a key turning point in European history.

The Portuguese first created trading outposts in Africa for basic commodities. As demand for slave labor grew, slaves started to be traded to the American colonies from Africa.

Bantu speaking tribes encountered the Dutch East India company in the southern area of Africa. The Cape colony was expanding for fertile land. The Cape colony needed more slave labor. The Dutch(Boers)moved upwards, taking over land.

Group 3

Period 5