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Essay / The development of Western civilization and European relations and its negative impact on Europe
European relations and overall existence in the world have changed dramatically since the 1500s. From the period of exploration that followed the stagnation of medieval times, a new world was truly discovered and sparked a series events that no man could have dreamed of. From the scientific and religious revolution to industrialization and capitalism; Europe has gone from a leading global power to a follower waiting for a helping hand. The question is, will they return to the top? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The era of global contact between the old and new worlds is what changed life as we knew it forever. This is what enabled the global exchange of people, food, language, culture and customs. The meeting of these different civilizations “led to conquests, forced migrations, devastating population losses and brutal exploitation.” It set the tone for what the rest of the world would be like for generations to come. Modern versions of this world would manifest through the slave trade, imperialization, and ethnic cleansing. With changes in culture, empire, and economy, the way nations governed now became necessary to change as well. This took on even more importance during eras of revolution, particularly the Industrial Revolution, as empires now had to compete to modernize and produce a more efficient global market which required competent leadership. In England, to maintain their commercial leadership in this changing century, they found it necessary to increase national military and private wealth through the mercantile system of what became known as the Navigation Acts. These acts not only restored the monarchical mode of governance, but demonstrated the beginnings of an economic monopoly. This trend toward economic warfare would pave the way for economic competition between nations that would only intensify in the modern world. The economic revolution was accompanied by an interconnected revolution in religion and politics. The difference in religious ideologies across the world has encouraged people to question traditional views, resulting in changing their view of how the country itself should look and be run. Debate arose over how much power should be granted to the Church and the State. From there it became a debate about how much individual freedom should be granted to citizens, this argument will always be relevant. In France, the division of class and government by religious order began to be questioned in the 1800s, as shown in Abbie Sieye's What is the Third Estate? : “2 If we abolished the privileged order, the nation would not be something less but something less. more. So, what is the third power? Everything, but a free and flourishing whole. Noting can be done without this; everything would be infinitely better without the other two orders. The restructuring of national governments, competitive markets, and rising living standards due to the Industrial Revolution led to what became global change and the fall of Europe as a world leader: nationalism. Each nation felt superior to all others. “As Europe entered an era of increased global interaction, these powerful ideas would lead to aggression and.