Critique political, societal, and economic changes that occurred in Europe at this time. Do you think that changes were positive, negative, or both? Did these changes apply equally to everyone? Why or why not? Support you answer with historical and contemporary examples.

Answer 1

During the early modern period in Europe, there were significant political, societal, and economic changes that had both positive and negative impacts on society. Some of these changes include the rise of absolute monarchies, the decline of feudalism, the emergence of capitalism, the Protestant Reformation, and the expansion of colonial empires.

One of the positive changes during this time was the centralization of power under absolute monarchies, which helped to create more stable and efficient governments. This in turn led to economic growth and cultural flourishing in countries like France and England. The decline of feudalism also allowed for more social mobility and contributed to the rise of a middle class.

However, these changes were not equally applied to everyone. The lower classes continued to face oppression and exploitation, with harsh working conditions and little political power. The Protestant Reformation, for example, led to religious conflicts and persecution, further dividing societies along religious lines. The expansion of colonial empires led to the exploitation and genocide of indigenous peoples, further perpetuating inequality and injustice.

In contemporary times, we can see the legacy of these changes in the lasting impact of colonialism on former colonies, ongoing social and economic inequality, and political polarization. While some progress has been made towards greater equality and justice, there is still work to be done to address the lingering effects of these historical changes.

Overall, the changes in Europe during the early modern period were a mix of positive and negative, and did not apply equally to everyone. It is important to critically examine these historical events and their consequences in order to work towards a more just and equitable society.