Describe the main features of the pre-modern world before the sixteenth century. How did it change with the discovery of new sea routes to America ? Give any three examples to explain the statement.
(a) The main features of the pre-medern world before the sixteenth century were as mentioned below : Before the sixteenth century, the Indian Ocean had known for a bustling trade, with goods, people, knowledge, customs etc. cross-crossing its waters. The Indian subcontinent was central to these flows and a crucial point in their networks. However the entry of Europeans helped expand or redirect some of these flows towards Europe. (b) In the sixteenth century, European sailors discovered sea route to Asia and also successfully crossed the western ocean to America. With these discoveries, the pre-modern world shrank and changed in the following ways : With the discovery of America, its vast lands, abundant crops and minerals transformed trade and lives every where in the world. Precious metals, particularly silver, from mines located in present day Peru and Mexico enhanced Europe’s wealth and financed its trade with Asia. Legends spread in seventeenth century Europe about South America’s abundant wealth. Thus many expeditions were sent in search of El Dorado, the Tabled city of gold.
