Chapters 13, 14, and 15

In chapters 13, 14 and 15 we read about political, economic and cultural and complete major changes that occurred between 1450-1750. 

Its interesting to read that the innovations and education involved in mapmaking, navigating the routes of the vast seas required much skill of new explorers.  There was much to gain with highly valued resources that trade had to offer.  Chinese, Indian and Muslims all would seem to take part in obtaining profit in one form or another. 

In addition to the Eastern, Asian countries Europe would also driven and inspired to cross and seek the commerce of trade which would lead to boost their economy.  Rulers of the countries experienced the tight competition, some slave and material goods were considered a valuable treasure. 
The Chinese and Islamic people were advanced in terms of building and understanding the sea routes along the Atlantic Ocean.  The transportation was more or less smooth for this reason of technology.  They were able to travel the great distances that were required and also managed to transport equipment such as gunpowder weapons, important supplies and even large, heavy animals.

Unfortunately, the diseases that were brought over to the Americas from Europe was a big reason the Native American populations had collapsed.  Something they were bombarded with and not immune to as other Afro-Eurasians might have been.  After this epidemic of dying and tremendous deaths of people, Europeans were on the task of enslaving the African people.  With this, population numbers began to rise...

During this time, Russia and its enormous empire was growing as well.  According to Strayer, "Political leaders and educated Russians generally defined the empire in gradner terms: defending Russian frontiers; enhancing the power of the Russian state; and bringing Christianity, civilization and enlightenment to savages."  (pg. 636).  Russia was also capable of taking over Siberian people, converting them into their culture, converting them into religion of Christianity and language.  The also were able to acquire a much wanted item, that being the very valuable fur.  For these reasons, I could see how Russia definitely felt superior as an organized and authoritarian society.

The Russians had an empire, as did the British.  Asian had their Mughal empire, but was not as exposed to diseases as were the Western part of the colonization was concerned.  The ruling elites were able to educate themselves through the Chinese language and Confucian teachings.  They also had skills in government to gain empirical powers.  The Chinese also took charge of their military and diplomatic efforts, taking control of their country from Russia.  The Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689 formed a distinct boundary between the Russians and Chinese populations.