Question

"The history of European empire building and trade in the early modern period is essentially the history of exploitation in pursuit of wealth and luxury goods." Is this statement a fair assessment of the period?

Answer 1

The early modern period of European history involved significant empire-building and trade designed to amass wealth and luxury goods, often through exploitation. Industrialization further modernized Europe but with an uneven distribution of its benefits. Mercantilism and imperialism fueled economic expansion but resulted in long-standing global inequalities.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the early modern period, European nations extensively pursued empire-building and trade with the ultimate goal of wealth accumulation and the procurement of luxury goods, which often resulted in the exploitation of colonized regions. In the 15th century, sea voyages along the western coast of Africa opened up avenues for new commodities that spurred European economic growth and led to the establishment of overseas colonies. These events were foundational in cementing Europe's economic and institutional power.

The advancement of the industrial economy at the end of the 18th century was marked by a steep increase in the production of goods in factories that modernized European societies. While this shift generated considerable profits for the upper classes, including landowners and traders, it often came at the expense of the lower-class workers and enslaved individuals, highlighting the disparity rooted in these developments.

With the philosophy of mercantilism, European nations amassed wealth through the control of trade and exploitation of colonial resources, rather than free trade. This pursuit led to the establishment of a global trade system defined by Euro-American domination and persistent inequalities that have had lasting impacts into the modern era.

Ultimately, while parts of Europe did see an expansion of a middle class and advancements in productivity and agriculture, the reality of imperial expansion was often characterized by competitive colonization and unprofitable ventures for many European governments. The motivations behind imperialism were as much about global dominance and strategic positioning as they were about economic gains.

In sum, while commercial expansion and imperialistic endeavors did bring wealth to Europe, they were underpinned by a broad pattern of exploitation and unequal development that served to enrich a few at the expense of many, domestically and in colonized territories.

Answer 2

Africans were exploited which earned huge profits for the European countries. Europe became a strong power with the foundation which is strongly laid by the African people.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Atlantic slave trade enabled the Europeans to procure slaves from Africa who were employed in tobacco plantations and mines. Able bodies and physically fit young people of Africa were taken away as slaves.

Not only slave trade but also the internal civil wars that took place in Africa were indeed a weakness which made the European colonies take advantage of the country. Unstable political climate made Africans to go as slaves to other countries. Not only human resource but also other precious natural resource like gold and silver were also taken control of by the colonial government.