5.1.

1  Study: Understanding the Big Picture: 1450 to 1750 Study Guide

World History Honors Sem 1 Name:  
Date:  

Use this study guide to keep track of the important concepts covered in this activity. If you need help
answering any of the questions, check with your instructor. Save these study guides for review when
preparing for quizzes and tests.

Write the definition to each of the key terms below.

Word Definition

Age of Exploration The period between 1400 and 1700 CE during which Europeans
explored many of the world's oceans and continents.

Atlantic slave trade (16th – 19th centuries) The transportation of African peoples across
the Atlantic Ocean to be sold in the Americas as slaves.

colonialism The policy of extending political and economic control over another
area or nation (colony).

Columbian Exchange The exchange of plants, animals, people, disease, and culture between
Afro-Eurasia and the Americas after Columbus sailed to the Americas
in 1492.

global trade The exchange of capital, goods, and services across and between
global regions.

indigenous Originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; a

person or peoples native to a particular region.

1. Create a timeline that identifies the time period or periods discussed in this activity. For your timeline,
be sure to identify the start and end dates, clearly label the major time periods, and provide a title. Hint: If
your timeline only includes one era, think about recording any major events or turning points that define
that era.
Students should label two primary dates on their timeline: 1450 CE as the start date for the first global
age and 1750 CE for the end date. Students might also label the previous period from 600 CE to 1500 CE
as the postclassical era, as well as the period before then from 600 BCE to 600 CE as the classical era.

2. On the world map below, identify the major regions discussed in this lesson. Then provide a title that
describes the significance of these regions.

Students should have the following areas/regions labeled: Europe, North and South America, Southeast
Asia (China), the Middle East, Oceania, South Asia (India), Southwest Asia, West Africa, and the North
African coast.

3. Identify and describe the major themes associated with this time period.

Theme Description

The creation and interaction
of economic systems
The Ottoman Empire controlled the main trade routes between Europe
and Asia. Consequently, European explorers searched for an ocean
route to trade directly with Asia. Some European nations also
established colonies in the Americas and East Indies in order to supply
them with raw materials and markets they could export to. This
eventually led to the rise of the slave trade.

The development and The global circulation of goods, known as the Columbian Exchange,
interaction of cultures brought new foods to different regions and spread ideas around the
world. It also brought European diseases to the Americas, which
decimated indigenous populations and destroyed their cultures.

The development and
transformation of social
structures
People questioned the authority of the Roman Catholic Church in
Europe during the Protestant Reformation. Education and the spread
of scientific ideas were encouraged. A rebirth in the arts during the
Renaissance caused a renewed interest in civilizations outside of
Europe.

4. What is something that surprised you about this period in human history?
Many answers are possible. You might have been surprised to learn that many of the empires that were
established during this period lasted for centuries.

5. What more would you like to know about this period in human history?

Answers will vary. Below is one way you may have answered.

I would like to know more about the Ming dynasty and where Chinese explorers went.

6. Write a research question about this time period based on something you would like to know more
about.

Answers will vary. Below is one way you may have answered.

What regions did the Ming dynasty establish trade relationships with?

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