World History Assignment - Figures, Colonization: A Comparative Study

This homework assignment delves into significant figures and events in world history. The first part of the assignment provides brief biographies of Martin Luther, discussing his role in the Protestant Reformation; the Janissaries, highlighting their military importance in the Ottoman Empire; Akbar, emphasizing his reign in the Mughal Dynasty and his social reforms; and Peter the Great, outlining his impact on Russia. The second part focuses on the economic and religious motives behind British and Spanish colonization, comparing their methods and objectives in acquiring colonies. The assignment examines the motives of accumulation of capital and the extraction of resources, while also noting the religious conversion efforts of the Spanish. Furthermore, the assignment discusses the administrative structures and the treatment of the colonized people under both the British and Spanish rules. The assignment highlights the similarities in their ruling styles, including the appointment of viceroys and the focus on their own country's interests.

Running head: WORLD HISTORY
World History
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Name of the Author:

1
WORLD HISTORY
Table of Contents
Part 1....................................................................................................................................2
Martin Luther...................................................................................................................2
Janissaries........................................................................................................................2
Akbar...............................................................................................................................2
Peter the Great.................................................................................................................2
Part 2....................................................................................................................................3
Question 1........................................................................................................................3

2
WORLD HISTORY
Part 1
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a theology professor from Germany, a priest and monk. He was given
priesthood in 1507. He rejected a lot of teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther is
considered to be one of the most influential characters in Western history. The writings of Marin
Luther were held responsible for fractionalizing of the Catholic Church, and it also aided in
sparking the Protestant Reformation.
Janissaries
The Janissaries were the first among the new standing troops of Europe, and they were
probably formed during the reign of Murad I. They were the powerful infantry units who
protected the household of Ottoman Sultan. The Janissaries were the most trustful soldiers who
were trained to be disciplinary, and they have the skills of small arms. The Janissaries were
expected to fully loyal to the sultan, and they did not lead a healthy life like other soldiers.
Akbar
Akbar was the greatest ruler of the Mughal Dynasty of India. Akbar reigned from 1556
till 1605, and he conquered most of the Indian subcontinent during his reign. Indian history has
been significantly influenced by the rule of Akbar. While he rules the Mughal Dynasty, he
tripled its size and brought unity among the people from different casts. He instituted a robust
system of military and bought many social reforms in India. Dhamma was a set of edicts which
was developed by Akbar for the Mughal dynasty.

3
WORLD HISTORY
Peter the Great
Czar Peter the Great was one of the greatest rulers of Russia and had a great significance
on the history of Russia. Various political, social and economic reforms had been brought about
by him during his rule. The extensive improvements which were carried out by him in the late
17th century made Russia one of the greatest nations in the world.
Part 2
Question 1
Economic motives are the most apparent motives for the colonization of the British.
Accumulation of surplus amounts of capital, as well as the purpose of profit, is one of the main
reason for the colonization of the British. Other factors such as sheep raising as well as
traditional agriculture are also specific reasons which are associated with the needs of
colonization of the British.
The main motive behind the Spanish colonization is to extract items such as gold and
silver from America. The driving force behind this motive was to make the Spanish economy
secure and help in making Spain a more powerful country in the world. Another aim of Spain
was to convert the religion of Native Americans to Christianity.
King James I in 1606 gave the Virginia Company the opportunity to set up certain
communities by the aid of which they can govern over colonies. Following the implementation
of this charter certain rich business set course for Virginia for acquiring colonies under their rule.
This was the start of the acquiring of colonies by the English.
The conquistadors of Spain was the first Spanish people who started expanding their
territory outside Spain. The royal authority of Spain initiated Crown of Castle which gave the

4
WORLD HISTORY
Spanish with the power of invading other places for establishing their colonies. The various civil
and religious structures for ruling these colonies were presented by the Crown of Castle. The first
place which were invaded by the Spanish people was America.
In the beginning the British colonies were administered both by Secretary of State for
War and the Board of Trade of the country. The main motive behind the administration of the
colonies by the British was to give value to their own interests and not care about the community
they are ruling. The people of the colonies were not treated very properly and only the interest of
the rulers of the colonies were taken into account.
The process by which the Spanish colonization worked were very similar to that of
British. In the New World of the Spanish colony Hernan Cortes was appointed as the adelantado.
But it was soon realized that this monarchy system will not work so it was changed.
Both Spanish and British went to their respective communities for ruling them. Both the
colonists had the same motive of acquiring valuable resources for their country. But Spanish
colonies were made to transform the Americans into Christians. Both the countries were very
poor in taking care of the subjects residing in their respective colonies. Both the communities
had the same way of ruling and administering their colonies. Both the countries appointed
viceroys for looking after their respective colonies.