Question

Why was it Western Europe rather than China, the Muslim world, or some other non-Western society who effected the globalization era of the sixteenth century? Be specific. B. What were the possible factors that allowed some non-western societies to resist or cope with the arrival of Westerners better than others? Give examples.

Answer 1

Answer:

A Military strength and Imperialism

B Religion, Unity, Organization

Explanation:

A The sixteenth century saw the rise of  European imperialism, protagonized by the Spanish who had just reconquered the Iberian peninsula on the Arabs. The Muslim world was in retreat, China was isolated.

The military (tecnological) supremacy of the Spanish in the Americas was overwhelming and the Indians, both in North & South America, were easily conquered.

B Take the negative example of the Aztecs in México: their religion  hampered their military organization. They were united as a tribe but other tribes, like the Tlaxcaltecas, were ready to help Cortés a hand in destroying the Aztec empire.

Now a positive example, i.e. resisting or coping with the arrival of Westerners, is more difficult to find. In any case they are more likely to be found in Asia, where powerful and united nations (socially and religiously) such as China or Japan proved to be more resistent than their fellow-countries in Africa or the Americas.