European Seaborne Empires: 15th-18th Century

Essay 2
During the height of European Seaborne Empires, an evolution inspired by the travel and exposure to different worlds took place from the 15th century through the 18th century. Throughout this time, an early modern world economy developed through trade, crop cultivation and the Atlantic Slave Trade. The inevitable integration of worlds was driven heavily by the desire of wealth and power, fueled by greed and disregard to humanity. Although integration propelled the world forward with innovations in government, economy, social justice and culture, it also resulted in devastating consequences that affected the globe.
Cardinal changes in political philosophy occurred in Western Europe between the 15th and 18th centuries. The shift in
European and European Americans characterized Africans as inferior beings, subhuman pagans with little ability for government, education or advancement. In addition, the encounter among diverse cultures supported by the opening of the Atlantic developed the idea of race. The concept divided humans based on their external appearances, exclusively. The notion gave rise to racism, the doctrine that inherent differences among various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement and abilities. This belief of race reinforced European suppression of Africans in America. Europe, despite its riches, became morally reduced for its reputation by playing a leading role in one of history’s most abominable acts. The slave trade’s social impact was mostly destructive, leaving behind millions of victims torn from their homelands and forced into cruel conditions. Millions died in the process and those who survived had to endure a miserable life with their descendants sentenced to continued enslavement (530). Despite the end of slavery, the dark residue still lingers centuries later with feelings of bitterness and