Chapters 13, 14 & 15 Online Commentary
Chapter 13, "Political Transformations" focused on the early modern era, basically from 1450-1750). The empires in Europe, the Americas, China, and Russia were the focal points in the discussion and how the influence of the Ottoman Empire spread its influence into many of these regions.
The Great Dying was a horrific point in time for the Native American peoples. The isolation they shared from the Afro-Eurasian inhabitants caused them to lack the immunity needed to withstand the diseases that were introduced to them by foreigners. This was similar to the Black Plague where a substantial amount of the population was wiped out almost overnight. In this case, up to 90% of the Native American population was annihilated. Then, add to this the Little Ice Age that produced extremely cold temperatures, in return affecting food production in crops and droughts in other areas. Much suffering was endured by many regions.
The "Columbian Exchange" was a network of trade that occurred between the European empires and was a connecting point to four continents. Languages, religions, plants, animals, slaves, and diseases were some of the commodities traded here. It seems that any type of trading route, like the Sea Road, Silk Road, or Sand Road, all seem to trade similar items. It is just the difference in locations and the specific items traded that can ultimately define the prospective wealth of the empires involved.
The Ottoman Empire drew my attention for the fact that they also converted to Islam. Islam seems to be the driving force behind many of the empires I have studies so far. I think to myself how are so many people being converted? Many times it is for the convenience of the conquered peoples. Sometimes the people are taxed if they go against the faith or even persecuted. I thought how sad to hear that young Christian boys were taken and forced to convert to Islam, given an Islamic name and forced to work in the military or some other post in the Ottoman Empire. So much injustice all in the name of progress. As I read the pages in the text, it makes me feel as if each one of us are just another group of people that someday will have our stories told in a college textbook. What makes us any different than the groups of people that lived during these different eras? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Chapter 14, "Economic Transformations" was next on the reading list. Not much that I wanted to blog about from this chapter. Mostly referenced the trading of commodities and people (slavery). I always have a difficult time thinking just how difficult it must have been for the slaves, being treated like objects instead of humans. It seems almost unfathomable to me now how it could have ever happened, but it did. I'm sure we'll be saying the same about some other issues that are occurring now in this day and age and how we will view them in the future.
Chapter 15, "Cultural Transformations - Religion and Science" did spark my interest. Science and religion always seemed to be somewhat of a contradiction to many when, in fact, it actually goes hand in hand. Many believe that they can't believe in both. Of course you can, I say. The Scientific Revolution caused quite a stir in the 18th century. The emphasis was on the person rather than a divine deity. Some people believed in a Creator at times, but One who was not that involved in the world. Science was first in line and religion second, if at all, in one's definition of the Enlightenment. It was a personal journey without interference from God. Human reason was also given much weight. God was put aside and left to wither, unneeded. I look back at how the world was, how people thought about their faith and even how quickly these same people were willing to push their faith aside for the next available trend. Faith is a gift from God and can be lost. It is not easy to follow in Christ's footsteps, but that is what we are called to do. It wasn't easy for Christ either while He lived on this earth. Why would we expect any different for us?
The Great Dying was a horrific point in time for the Native American peoples. The isolation they shared from the Afro-Eurasian inhabitants caused them to lack the immunity needed to withstand the diseases that were introduced to them by foreigners. This was similar to the Black Plague where a substantial amount of the population was wiped out almost overnight. In this case, up to 90% of the Native American population was annihilated. Then, add to this the Little Ice Age that produced extremely cold temperatures, in return affecting food production in crops and droughts in other areas. Much suffering was endured by many regions.
The "Columbian Exchange" was a network of trade that occurred between the European empires and was a connecting point to four continents. Languages, religions, plants, animals, slaves, and diseases were some of the commodities traded here. It seems that any type of trading route, like the Sea Road, Silk Road, or Sand Road, all seem to trade similar items. It is just the difference in locations and the specific items traded that can ultimately define the prospective wealth of the empires involved.
The Ottoman Empire drew my attention for the fact that they also converted to Islam. Islam seems to be the driving force behind many of the empires I have studies so far. I think to myself how are so many people being converted? Many times it is for the convenience of the conquered peoples. Sometimes the people are taxed if they go against the faith or even persecuted. I thought how sad to hear that young Christian boys were taken and forced to convert to Islam, given an Islamic name and forced to work in the military or some other post in the Ottoman Empire. So much injustice all in the name of progress. As I read the pages in the text, it makes me feel as if each one of us are just another group of people that someday will have our stories told in a college textbook. What makes us any different than the groups of people that lived during these different eras? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Chapter 14, "Economic Transformations" was next on the reading list. Not much that I wanted to blog about from this chapter. Mostly referenced the trading of commodities and people (slavery). I always have a difficult time thinking just how difficult it must have been for the slaves, being treated like objects instead of humans. It seems almost unfathomable to me now how it could have ever happened, but it did. I'm sure we'll be saying the same about some other issues that are occurring now in this day and age and how we will view them in the future.
Chapter 15, "Cultural Transformations - Religion and Science" did spark my interest. Science and religion always seemed to be somewhat of a contradiction to many when, in fact, it actually goes hand in hand. Many believe that they can't believe in both. Of course you can, I say. The Scientific Revolution caused quite a stir in the 18th century. The emphasis was on the person rather than a divine deity. Some people believed in a Creator at times, but One who was not that involved in the world. Science was first in line and religion second, if at all, in one's definition of the Enlightenment. It was a personal journey without interference from God. Human reason was also given much weight. God was put aside and left to wither, unneeded. I look back at how the world was, how people thought about their faith and even how quickly these same people were willing to push their faith aside for the next available trend. Faith is a gift from God and can be lost. It is not easy to follow in Christ's footsteps, but that is what we are called to do. It wasn't easy for Christ either while He lived on this earth. Why would we expect any different for us?
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