Western Europe's Rise To Global Dominance example essay topic

By the 17th century global ties had been established between Africa, Europe, the Americas and south and Southeast Asia. Increasing trade and travel led to cultural and economic influences on a level like never before in history. For the first time economic conditions of one region would have an effect on a much more global scale. This increasing global expansion by the seventeenth century initiates the idea that global dominance of one region was inevitable. According to Ring rose determining which region will acquire this position requires assessment of four factors: a regions political and military conditions, their cultural influence, religious circumstances, and their economic standing. Looking on the earth as a disinterested observer in the 17th century western Europe was inevitably next to rise to global dominance.

Their economic situation was favorable with lopsided trade routes and their militaries were advancing far faster than any other region on Earth. Advances were being made in science, and religious beliefs were being questioned leading to the formation of new religious practices. Western Europe was becoming globally independent and other regions were required to become dependent on them for existence. Western Europe's rise to global dominance would be the result of many factors, but their military and political system is of the utmost importance. Europe's political system in the 17th century was ideal for acquiring military dominance, thus global dominance.

After the Thirty Year's War Europe implemented a state system' in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. The Peace of Westphalia brought about a state system in Europe in which all states that participated regarded each other as sovereign and equal. Each state was responsible for its own domestic affaires, including religion. Political and economical affaires were all dealt with on the state level, allowing each state to act in their own interest, and not be influenced by an imperial power.

Although the Thirty Year's War ended, war was still present in Europe to early modern times as the independent states competed for power. In order to keep one state from gaining excessive control within Europe, the diplomatic principal of a balance of power was implemented. If one state began to gain control, other states would form coalitions to maintain this balance of power. The competition of the states allowed for the European society to be strengthened as a whole. As the states competed they sought to develop more advanced military systems. Europe soon developed far greater military tactics than any other region.

European gun manufactories produced canons of better range and accuracy. In other region the need for these advances were not necessary due to the lack of competition from within, but in Europe lack of military advances would lead to the decline of a states power. Europe by the 17th century could outperform all others with their superior military tactics and sophisticated weaponry. Their military capabilities would be a key factor in foreseeing Europe to be the next to rise to global dominance. The 17th century was a time of great religious and cultural change in Europe, and this change would be crucial for globalization. Western Europe saw a transformation from middle-age thinking and theories to a new understanding based on natural observation and mathematics.

Religious beliefs of the past were being questioned leading to the formation of new religious practices. The most influential would be that of the protestant reformation due to Martin Luther's criticism of the Roman Catholic Church. Martin questioned the churches selling of indulgences as a pardon for their sins. Luther soon acquired many followers and the Protestant religion was formed.

John Calvin was also very important in the religious reforms in Europe due to the protestant communities he established in France.