Early Modern History Essay 2022

Running head: EARLY MODERN HISTORY
EARLY MODERN HISTORY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1
EARLY MODERN HISTORY
Early modern history or early modern period started from the 1500-1800
approximately. The early modern period in history is marked by the fall of Constantinople in
the year of 1453 that also includes the period of renaissance as well the age of discovery
(Konvitz). It is during time that people started exploring the world and it is this exploration
that resulted in the discovery of new lands that further led to colonialism (Konvitz).
Therefore, the essay aims to discuss and compare the growth of Spain, Dutch, French and
Portuguese. The essay also aims to show why the above four countries were successful in
their respective growth.
Spain in the early years of history was more successful than any of the conquerors and
the Treaty of Tordesillas has further legitimised its hold over the new world thereby
indicating its supremacy over countries like Portugal. Since Columbus was an explorer from
Spain therefore, the latter claimed that every country that was discovered by him belonged to
Spain (Kagan). It should also be noted that Spain had more explorers than Dutch, French and
Portuguese therefore its growth in the early modern period was more than the above
countries. Unlike other countries Spain also knew the importance of alliance system that
would aid them against enemies (Kagan). However, like all other empire Spain started
imposing heavy taxes on the people of lower class and their enemies like the Dutch and
Portugal gradually became rich and started revolting. Spain therefore lost all its colonies as
the latter liberated themselves and Spain was not able to compete with them (Kagan).
Dutch gradually became the emerging power and also started colonising many parts
of the world. Most of the Dutch settlements were in South Africa and Asia. They exploited
the natural resources of the above continents (Schmaltz). They were considered as the first
colonisers of South Africa and used the latter for slave trade. They were also behind the
massacre of Khoikhoi tribe in Cape town. However, they too had to give up their lands to the
British as well as French empire as they defeated Dutch in a war (De Zwart). Unlike the