EUROPE

• How do the size of Europe and Asia compare?

  • Europe is significantly smaller than Asia in terms of land area
• Did Europe ever fully come together as a single large land-based empire? How do the Habsburgs compare to the Asian empires of this early modern period?

  • Europe never fully came together as a single large land-based empire. The Habsburgs controlled vast territories in Europe, but they were not able to unify the continent like some Asian empires did in their respective regions
• How did the rise of Protestantism challenge Habsburg domination of Europe?

  • The rise of Protestantism challenged Habsburg domination of Europe by sparking religious conflicts, such as the Thirty Years' War, which weakened Habsburg power and contributed to the fragmentation of Europe
• In this early modern period (1450-1750) was Europe alone as a maritime or seafaring region?


  • Europe was not alone as a maritime or seafaring region in this period. Other regions, such as the Indian Ocean, East Asia, and parts of Africa, also had significant maritime activities and trade networks
• How did the end of the early modern period shape the story we are challenging here about European uniqueness?

  • The end of the early modern period witnessed the rise of new global powers, such as European colonial empires and the decline of traditional Asian powers, challenging the narrative of European uniqueness and reshaping the global balance of power
• Explain continuity and change within the various belief systems during the period from 1450 to 1750 in Europe.


  • Belief systems in Europe during this period experienced both continuity and change, with the Protestant Reformation challenging the dominance of the Catholic Church while other religious traditions persisted and evolved
• Why does it matter whether Europe was an "exception" or "unique" in Eurasia during this period? Why is this debate important for understanding this era in world history?

  • the debate about European uniqueness is important for understanding this era in world history because it sheds light on the dynamics of power, culture, and global interactions. It helps us understand how Europe's position in the world evolved and its impact on global affairs
• European exceptionalism or uniqueness

  The idea that Europe is exceptional or unique compared to other regions
• Reasons for development of European exceptionalism

  • Europe's historical achievements in areas such as science, technology, and global exploration
• We can learn from European exceptionalism by critically examining the narratives of European superiority and understanding the complex factors that shaped Europe's role in world history
• Similar forms of exceptionalism

  May exist in the schoolbook histories of other regions like Turkey (formerly the Ottoman) and China (formerly the Qing)
• Critically evaluating historical narratives from diverse perspectives is important
• • The Habsburgs were a prominent European royal family
• • The Habsburg originated from Switzerland and rose to power in the Holy Roman Empire
• • Through marriages, conquests, and alliances, the Habsburgs expanded their influence across Europe
• • They controlled territories including Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, and parts of Italy
• • The Habsburgs were major players in European politics and diplomacy for centuries