Loeb

Emily Loeb
Mrs. Bennett
Humanities 2
25 January 2016

European Trade, and how it was Essential to the Modern World

One can only imagine how long globalization of the world would have taken
without the extraordinary impact of Europe. Europe is like the underdog basketball team,
without much natural born talent but with heaps of hard work and determination. They
did not begin with heaps of skill, and suffered through years of always being second or
third; they were never able to beat the star team that had everything, star players, a great
coach, and endless resources. But through hard work and determination, they were able to
beat the star players when the top teams work ethic grew sloppy. Europe, previously, had
been pushed aside in favor of China, and their dominant role in trade systems (due to
their resources). But the vacancy of Chinas presence in the Indian Ocean (called back by
the new emperor) left an opening that Europeans decided to fill, as they began to build up
their naval systems and explore the world. This decision would lead them to become the
most powerful nation in the world, and most importantly spread their innovation to
countries in need around the world.
One of the reasons that Europe trade systems were so important is that they
connected the world and helped new innovations reach places that were far behind the
others in technological advancements. The Americas, for example, could not even come
close to Eurasias technological advancements. This lack of invention was a big setback,

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for it prevented the formation of large, modern societies, such as cities and empires. It
also, in general, prevented growth, which is crucial to being able to conquer enemies and
harbor a productive society. The improvements in transportation and communication
technology constitute an irresistible force dissolving national boundaries (Williamson
417). Spreading technology help put countries on level playing fields, and trade helped
nations interact with one another and form connections. Trading with Europe also made
these less-fortunate countries gain wealth, as the increase in trade is characterized by
unusually fast income growth (Williamson 417). Therefore, interaction with Europe was
simply necessary for these countries, so that they could begin to have an ounce of a
chance when competing with larger, stronger nations. It was fortunate for them that
Europe opened up their trade connections to all places that contained resources.
Further more, European trade (of course) also benefitted Europe. Atlantic
trade contributed to the process of West European growth between 1500 and 1850
(Acemoglu 562). This means that both sides of the trade benefitted; therefore European
trade must have been a positive thing. The growth and wealth accumulated by Europe in
this time was due primarily to growth in countries involved in Atlantic trade
(Acemoglu 552). This growth of countries due to trade would then make Europes power
grow, which would grow the trade systems, making European trade a cycle of wealth,
benefit, and prosperity. Because of the immense amount of benefit, it is hard to believe
that any few downsides to this system can overcome the positive effects of European
Trade.
In conclusion, trading with Europe was a beneficial system that provided wealth
and technology to all countries included. Despite claims that some products and cultural

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elements introduced by Europe drastically devastated the less fortunate countries it came
in contact with, European influence was still a good thing for these societies. Cultural
change can seem devastating when less developed societies are shifting from their
previous, inadequate ways of life to more modern routines. In the moment it seems awful,
but afterwards it is realized that these changed were necessary for growth, and that they
eventually would have happen naturally (if not set into motion by interaction with
Europe). Thus, interaction was indeed beneficial, as it set the transition into modern
affairs into action much sooner than they would have happen if the nations were left
alone. The fact that modernism was essential for growth needs to be recognized, so that
we may not put false blame on countries that embraced growth (like Europe). Europes
decision to accept this change would lead to their dominant role in times to come.