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Europe transitions from medieval to modern times. The beginnings of this transition take place in the Italian city-states that are revitalized in a wave of cultural changes that affect everything from art to economics and politics.
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The Renaissance spreads to Northern Europe where the scholarly works of northern humanists along with the newly invented printing press advocate for religious and educational reforms. Meanwhile, feudal monarchs consolidate their power in creating large and powerful sovereign states with growing absolute monarchs taking charge.
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Western Europe sets sail to explore new sea routes to Asia, lured there by highly desired luxury goods. In the process, the Spanish stumble upon a strange new land full of resources and people to be exploited.
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Rivalries among the large and growing colonial trading empires explode in a race to exploit the riches of the Americas for the benefit of Europe under the new economic system of mercantilism. However, a large workforce is needed to exploit these American riches ushering in a new wave of slave trading that will make up the transatlantic economy.
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