Western Civ Explain the Theory

Western Civ

Explain the theory and workings of mercantilism.

Essentially the beginnings of globalization, mercantilism consisted of a set of practices that expanded opportunities for colonialism and wealth-creation. One of the ideas behind mercantilism was bullion: a nation's wealth being measured in hard currencies such as gold or silver. Mercantilism was therefore closely linked with nationalism and the creation of more centralized governments that would regulate trade. Trade was of the utmost importance but nations sought to balance trade by not importing more than they exported. To achieve this, many nations would stimulate domestic industries including agricultural production. A goal of mercantilism was to create economic strength and self-sufficiency (Rempel). However, colonialism was also a key component of the mercantile mentality. Colonies not only provided a source for raw materials, they also offered the nations in Europe a captive market for exports. Mercantilism was primarily a phenomenon in Europe after the decline of feudalism: between 1600-1800.

2.) Discuss the importance of the renaissance and reformation on exploration.

The Renaissance and Reformation provided the philosophical underpinnings of the age of exploration. With the Renaissance came a renewed interest in modeling European civilizations on their great civilizations of the past: Greece and Rome. Those civilizations reached their pinnacle of greatness partly through territorial expansion. Moreover, especially the Greeks cultivated a deep love of knowledge and passion for the truth. Just as the Renaissance entailed an expansion of the boundaries of knowledge, nations in Europe sought to expand their territorial boundaries: to rethink their vision of the world. Contact with other civilizations was a hallmark of this rebirth, ending the isolationism and insularity of the Middle Ages.

Whereas the Church sanctioned knowledge during the Middle Ages, the Renaissance marked the beginning of modern scientific explorations and the non-ecclesiastical search for truth. Granted, the transition from Church-based truths to scientific ones was slow. The Reformation weakened the Church's political power but it retained economic and social hegemony for the most part. With Church and State in collusion, funding for exploration endeavors was widely available. The Church also viewed exploration and territorial expansion as a means to spread the doctrine and power of the Church.

3.) Describe the difference between an absolute monarch and an enlightened despot.

The differences between an absolute monarch and an enlightened despot are largely superficial. Both legitimate their power through hereditary lineage and both rule without political opposition or a balance of powers. both are autocrats. No constitution or set of laws are in place to keep the powers of either ruler in check. Both rely on some external sources of support, and it is primarily in those external sources that the absolute monarch and the enlightened despot differ. The enlightened despot is less closely connected to the Church. His political philosophy is heavily influenced by Enlightenment values. Thus, the enlightened monarch supports basic tenets like scientific exploration and a greater degree of social and religious tolerance than the absolute monarch might.