(NOE) The World in 1450: Change in the Balance of World Power, continued Lesson

The World in 1450: Change in the Balance of World Power, continued Lesson

Expansion, Migration, and Conquest in Polynesia

Polynesian culture between the seventh century and 1400 experienced spurts of migration and conquest that spread peoples far beyond the initial base in the Society Islands. One migration channel brought Polynesians to the Hawaiian Islands. After 1400, Hawaiian society was cut off from Polynesia. In Hawaii, the newcomers, living from agriculture and fishing, spread widely across the islands; pigs were introduced from the Society Islands. Warlike regional kingdoms were formed. In them a complex society emerged in which priests and nobles enjoyed special privileges over commoners. Rich oral traditions preserved their cultural values.

 

In-Depth: The Problem with Ethnocentrism

The presence of ethnocentric outlooks in most cultures creates problems of interpretation in world history. The practices of foreign peoples often are regarded as inferior. Although many civilizations looked down on others, the present power of Western standards makes ethnocentrism a real issue. It is necessary to remain open-minded when thinking about other cultures and to consider how their patterns are the result of their particular historical development.

 

Isolated Achievements by the Maoris

A second channel of migration brought settlers to New Zealand perhaps as early as the eighth century. The Polynesians adapted to the different environment, producing an expanding population and developing the most elaborate Polynesian art. Tribal military leaders and priests dominated a society that possessed many slaves gained in warfare. The Polynesians did not work metals, but they created a vigorous economy based on agriculture and domestic animals. They produced a rich oral tradition. As in Hawaii, all the accomplishments were achieved in isolation from the rest of the world.

 

Adding Up the Changes

Clearly, the era around 1400 was a time of transition in world history. It marked the most significant shift since the fall of the classical empires. The rising of the West was part of a series of complex events all over the world. There were shifts in international trade leadership, in power relationships, and civilization dynamism. The changes even affected societies where existing patterns endured. Although sub-Saharan Africa continued along independent paths of evolution long after 1400, the altering world patterns were drawing Africans into a new relationship with Europe.

 

Global Connection's: 1450 and the World

Changes and continuities affected many societies in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Muslim traders and missionaries continued to be active, but the Mongols introduced a new set of contacts. Subsequent Mongol decline returned attention to trade in the Indian Ocean. The question of leadership in global contacts was in flux in 1450. African merchants continued to rely on interactions with the Middle East. Western Europe's position was strengthening. Southeast Asia was increasingly drawn into trade and missionary activity.

 

Questions to Consider

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