2 Level 2

Early States and Connections

1400–1900

Examine the Age of Exploration, the Atlantic World, and the rise of modern states. Study colonialism, slavery as a global system, revolutions that reshaped politics, and the birth of industrial society.

🎯Learning Objectives

By the end of this level, you'll understand:

How European exploration connected the world's continents for the first time
The Columbian Exchange and its profound biological and cultural consequences
Slavery as a global economic system spanning Africa, the Americas, and Europe
Indigenous American societies before European contact
The American, French, and Haitian Revolutions and their causes
The rise of constitutional government and early republics
Major empires (Ottoman, Qing, Mughal) and resistance to colonialism
The Industrial Revolution's transformation of work, cities, and daily life
19th-century reform movements including abolition and women's suffrage
Global migration patterns and their causes

👥Key Figures to Know

Christopher Columbus

1451–1506

Genoese navigator whose 1492 voyage initiated sustained European contact with the Americas, transforming world history.

Toussaint Louverture

1743–1803

Leader of the Haitian Revolution, the only successful slave revolt in history, establishing the first Black republic.

George Washington

1732–1799

Commander of Continental Army and first U.S. President, establishing precedents for democratic leadership.

Maximilien Robespierre

1758–1794

Leader during French Revolution's Reign of Terror, embodying both revolutionary ideals and their violent extremes.

James Watt

1736–1819

Scottish inventor whose improvements to the steam engine helped launch the Industrial Revolution.

Harriet Tubman

c. 1822–1913

Escaped slave who became a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, leading dozens to freedom.

💭Reflection Questions

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Multiple perspectives: How did the "Age of Exploration" look different from European, African, Indigenous American, and Asian perspectives? Whose story gets told?

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Historical judgment: The Haitian Revolution succeeded where others failed. What made it unique? Why is it less studied than the American or French Revolutions?

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Global connections: How did slavery in the Americas connect to sugar consumption in Europe and textile production in Britain? What does this teach us about global economic systems?

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Change over time: The Industrial Revolution transformed daily life in a few generations. What parallels exist with technological change today?

✅Test Your Knowledge

Level 2 Assessment

Question 1 of 10

Question 1

The Columbian Exchange primarily refers to:

A) Trade routes between Europe and Asia

B) The exchange of gold and silver for European goods

C) The transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between hemispheres

D) Columbus's four voyages to the Americas

Question 2

Which crop, originally from the Americas, had the greatest impact on global population growth?

A) Wheat

B) Potatoes

C) Rice

D) Coffee

Question 3

The Atlantic slave trade was primarily driven by:

A) Religious persecution in Africa

B) Political conflicts in Europe

C) Natural disasters in the Americas

D) Labor demand for plantation agriculture

Question 4

The Haitian Revolution was unique because it:

A) Was the only successful slave revolt that created an independent nation

B) Had no violence or bloodshed

C) Was supported by European powers

D) Happened before the American Revolution

Question 5

The Enlightenment's influence on the American Revolution is most evident in:

A) The use of muskets and cannons

B) The development of political parties

C) Ideas about natural rights and government by consent

D) Economic policies of mercantilism

Question 6

What innovation was most crucial to the early Industrial Revolution?

A) The telephone

B) The steam engine

C) The automobile

D) Electricity

Question 7

The Mughal Empire in India was known for:

A) Being the first democracy in Asia

B) Completely isolating itself from trade

C) Banning all religions except Hinduism

D) Cultural synthesis and architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal

Question 8

The abolitionist movement in the 19th century sought to:

A) End slavery and the slave trade

B) Expand voting rights to all citizens

C) Improve factory working conditions

D) Promote temperance and ban alcohol

Question 9

Which statement best describes 19th-century urbanization?

A) Cities shrank as people moved to farms

B) Only European cities grew significantly

C) Industrial jobs drew millions from rural areas to cities

D) Technology made city living unnecessary

Question 10

The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 is significant for:

A) Ending the Civil War

B) Launching the women's rights movement in America

C) Establishing labor unions

D) Creating the first public schools

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