The World of the 16th Century
The World of the 16th Century
Outcomes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Identify the historically significant people and events of the 16th century
- Discuss the characteristics of the world’s people groups, nations, and empires in the 16th century
- Explain the significance of the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter Reformation
- Describe the impact of exploration and colonization on the world’s indigenous peoples in Africa, Asia, and the Americas
- Discuss the differences and similarities between the exploration and colonization efforts of European nations
- Explain the Atlantic Slave trade and its impact on Africans
Questions to Guide your Reading
- How do the events of the 16th century illustrate the key role played by trade in the development of human communities and societies?
- How do the events of the 16th century illustrate the importance of religion in human history? In what ways do these events show that religion can be a unifying force? How do they also show that religion can be an instrument of division?
- What examples from the 16th century can be found to illustrate the role that technological development has played in human history?
- How did the increased contact between the people of the Americas with those of Eurasia impact people living in both regions?
- What does the term Columbian Exchange refer to? How did it impact the people living in the Americas and Europe?
- What are the similarities and differences between Spanish, English, and French settlements in the Americas?
- What were the chief characteristics of the Atlantic slave trade as it developed in the 16th century?
