Imperial Age

1. Imperial Age 1400s – 1700s

2. Motivation • For all, increase wealth and power • Africans/Europeans – convert nonbelievers to Christianity/Islam • Means • Force • Europeans and Asians – firearms • Africans – advent of European slave trade/guns Empire Building – Asia vs. Africa vs. Europe

3. Impediments • Europeans – lack of available territory on European continent • Not rich in resources • Needed new markets • Needed markets not ruled by powerful government • Africans and Asians • Distance • ability to set up stable and strong organizations to govern conquered people • Rivals who worked against the rules to gain either local or imperial power Empire Building – Asia vs. Africa vs. Europe

4. Advantages • Europeans • Naval forces • Advanced technology • Africans • Access to European weapons • Asia • Chinese dynasties alternating with periods that saw warring states • Being part of an empire appealing to the Chinese at times Empire Building – Asia vs. Africa vs. Europe

5. During the imperial age, we see that the world becomes interconnected through exploration, trade and politics. • Who becomes superior on the world stage? • How do these interactions affect those involved? • In order to understand the imperial age, we need to be familiar with the world prior to this age. • Why did this shift to globalization/interconnectedness occur? So, what’s the big deal about these empires?

6. China’s lead up to the Imperial Age: Use Chapter 8.1 & 8.2 to fill in the chart on the right Understanding the achievements of these dynasties will help us appreciate China at its height and why China becomes involved in world affairs – Why does the West want China?