The problem was: that the distances were much further and many of the different explorers (such as: Columbus) began to seek out other routes to these areas. This led directly to: the colonial ambitions of many European nations and their desire to explore the new world to achieve these objectives. (Willner, 2008, pp. 255 -- 294) The Role that the Individual will Play in Society

A third development of the Middle Ages, was that the individual is playing a vital role in: matters of government and society. This developed out of frustration that many people were feeling about the different monarchies. As, everyone was expected to follow: the various traditions and the laws that were imposed upon them by the nobility. This became problematic over the years, as this would turn into a sense of anger. At which point, many of these different monarchies faced direct challenges to their power. To address the needs of the general public, many of these governments gave: greater personal freedoms to everyone. Once this occurred, it meant that the individual would begin to have more of voice in: social issues and government policies. This is the point that there would be a dramatic change within: the social structure and the role of the individual in it. (Willner, 2008, pp. 255 -- 294)

A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than the Magna Carta. What happened was is King John of England was facing a direct challenge to his power from his subjects. This is because, they believed: that the high taxes that he was imposing, unsuccessful wars and ongoing dispute with the Pope were leading to increased amounts of stability. Given the fact that most people did not have any kind of voice in these matters, meant that a number of frustrations began to grow. This led directly to various coups and other plots against him. The problem began with the fact that there were: no other alternative forms of government available and John feared that a civil war could threaten the kingdom. To avoid these issues he began...

All of this was a part of an effort, to limit the power of the Crown and give more authority to the individual. This is significant, because one could effectively argue that the most dominate form of government (monarchies) was pushing to: change society and this structure. Where, everyone was given greater amounts of authority in matters of public affairs. While, the king was directly having his power challenged by the subjects he was suppose to protect. (Holt, 1992)
Clearly, the Middles Ages was an important time period in world history. This is because it served as a bridge, for some of: the ideas of ancient Rome with other time frames and making them a part of Western philosophy. However, this also meant that a shift would occur in a number of different areas to include: government, trade and in society itself. This is significant, because it would underscore a change that was taking place

As there was more of an emphasis on: the role that the individual would play in society and how to increase trade between the various nations. This would lead directly to: the formation of the Western democracy and free trade principals that were developed during the Renaissance period. Once this began to occur, it meant that a shift took place in: society and how they viewed the role that everyone was playing in it. When you put these different elements together, they are illustrating how the Middle Ages were: a period of time that marked radical changes from the ideas of the past.

Bibliography

Middle Ages. (2011). Free Dictionary. Retrieved from: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Middle+Ages

Holt, J. (1992). Magna Carta. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Willner, M. (2008). Global History. Hauppauge, NY:…