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Compare the changes in Russia, Japan, Spain, and Holland. How did religion, politics, and the economy change those societies during this time? (Minimum 350 words)

User Zichen Ma
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Final answer:

The period between 1000 and 1350 CE saw significant changes in Russia, Japan, Spain, and Holland across religion, politics, and economics. Medieval Europe's power structures sought balance between strength and checks on authority, with Russia maintaining its Tsarist autocracy. Japan and China moved towards open economies, whilst Spain and Holland's economies were shaped by imperialism and trade.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing the changes in Russia, Japan, Spain, and Holland during the period between 1000 and 1350 CE, we must consider the impact of religion, politics, and economy on these societies. Religion played a central role in medieval European culture and society, with Christian military forces pushing Islamic civilization to Iberia's southern tip. In contrast, an increasing percentage of Eurasia's population converted to Islam. In Spain, there was the establishment of Muslim rule that resulted in a religiously diverse society.Politically, Europe grappled with creating governments that were strong enough to protect the population but had sufficient checks to prevent the abuse of power. Russia was notable for its powerful, autocratic head of state. It stayed mostly agricultural with the Tsar maintaining significant authority, unlike Britain, which became an industrial economy with a democratically constrained monarchy.In Eastern Europe, countries transitioned from socialism systems to capitalist democracies. This transition was similar to the economic exchanges in Tokugawa Japan and the Qing dynasty China where societies grappled with internal and external exchanges, moving towards more open economies with capitalism elements as seen in Japan's response to trade and China's shift in policies including its open door to Western trade.

Japan's Tokugawa period was characterized by cultural exchanges and a sustained but isolated economy. The Qing dynasty in China similarly had periods of economic and military successes, eventually opening to Western trade which altered their economic policies significantly.Lastly, Spain and Holland experienced significant economic activities linked to trade and imperialism. Spanish colonization efforts and Dutch trade dominance influenced their respective economies. The Netherlands became a commercial powerhouse during its Golden Age, while Spain's economy was heavily affected by its vast empire's wealth and the challenges of maintaining it.

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