Lesson Summary
As the great trade routes of the Silk Road collapsed, European powers began exploring new global trade routes. Italy, with its thriving republics, flourished during the Renaissance and led the Age of Exploration. One of its notable explorers was Christopher Columbus.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, Columbus did not sail to prove the Earth is round, nor was his goal to enslave or conquer Native peoples. These claims often stem from political agendas that attempt to reshape history to support anti-American perspectives. Such agendas aim to portray America’s founding as fundamentally flawed, even evil, suggesting that its government and economic systems should be replaced with more socialistic models.
Amid global expansion, the Reformation and the invention of the printing press transformed societies, promoting ideas of individualism, industrialism, and new forms of government. England experienced a civil war over the absolute authority of the King, and thinkers like John Locke fled to Holland, where they could freely write about liberty and representative government.
Eventually, Parliament gained greater control over the monarchy, culminating in the Glorious Revolution and the coronation of William and Mary. Soon after, the English Bill of Rights was passed, guaranteeing specific rights and freedoms for English citizens.
During this period of political upheaval, the North American colonies largely governed themselves. The constitutional monarchy allowed this to continue, as the colonies were thriving. This demonstrated that less government interference often leads to greater freedom and success for the people.
