Late seventeenth century

Definition

The late seventeenth century refers to the period from 1675 to 1700, characterized by significant political, economic, and social developments in Europe. This era witnessed the consolidation of state power, the expansion of trade networks including the transatlantic slave trade, and transformations in economic practices, which laid the groundwork for the modern state system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The late seventeenth century saw a rise in European powers' involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, significantly impacting economies in both Europe and Africa.
2. Economic practices during this time began shifting from feudal systems towards more modern capitalist frameworks, with an increased focus on trade and commerce.
3. The concept of absolutism became prominent, especially in France under Louis XIV, who epitomized the idea of a centralized monarchy with significant control over both domestic and foreign policies.
4. Wars such as the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678) showcased how powerful states pursued territorial expansion and influenced trade routes during this period.
5. This era laid important foundations for Enlightenment thinking as intellectuals began to question traditional power structures and advocate for individual rights and liberties.

Review Questions

• How did the late seventeenth century contribute to the development of economic practices that differ from earlier systems?
  • During the late seventeenth century, there was a noticeable shift towards mercantilism and capitalism that marked a departure from feudal economies. States began to actively manage their economies to enhance national wealth through trade, particularly with overseas colonies. The increasing importance of trade networks, including those linked to the slave trade, played a key role in this transformation, as countries sought to maximize exports while minimizing imports.
• Discuss how absolutism during the late seventeenth century affected political structures in Europe.
  • Absolutism had a profound effect on political structures in Europe during the late seventeenth century by centralizing power within monarchies. Monarchs like Louis XIV embodied this principle by asserting their control over governance and diminishing the influence of nobility. This consolidation allowed rulers to enact policies that would further strengthen their nations economically and militarily, leading to heightened competition among European states.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the transatlantic slave trade established in the late seventeenth century on European economies and African societies.
  • The establishment of the transatlantic slave trade in the late seventeenth century had lasting impacts on both European economies and African societies. For Europe, it generated immense wealth through labor-intensive plantations in the Americas, thus enriching nations involved in the trade. Conversely, African societies faced significant disruptions as millions were forcibly removed from their communities, leading to demographic changes, social instability, and economic shifts. The consequences of these practices set a precedent for exploitation that would resonate through centuries, influencing global economic patterns.

Related terms

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasized the role of the state in managing the economy, promoting exports, and accumulating precious metals.

Triangular Trade: A trade system between Europe, Africa, and the Americas that involved the exchange of goods and enslaved people, facilitating economic growth.

Absolutism: A political doctrine where a monarch holds absolute power, often justified by divine right and characterized by centralized control over the state.