The Pilgrims' first corn crop was successful thanks to help they received from the Wampanoag Native Americans. The Wampanoag taught the Pilgrims to plant corn seeds in small mounds with herring (a type of fish) on top of the mounds to provide nutrients for the crops.
Europe, more particularly Western Europe, benefited most from social, technological, and economic change from 1200 and 1500. The growth of cities and commerce brought western Europe into contact with the wider world.
Throughout history, the ability of practically any government to be able to provide and restore social order is absolutely critical to the success of the state. Are there options to choose from?