Ep 6. The New World & the Old - 1400 - 1650

In the sixth episode of Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World, The New World & the Old - 1400 - 1650, viewers are taken on a journey through the major events that shaped the New World and its interactions with the Old World during the period of 1400-1650. The episode starts by delving into the immense cultural and technological sophistication of the New World civilizations before the arrival of the Europeans. It then moves on to explore how the European explorers and conquerors encountered and eventually overtook these civilizations.

One major theme explored in this episode is the spread of Christianity in the New World by the European colonizers. The episode shows how the Christian missionaries were able to convert a significant portion of the native population and how this conversion was used to impose European values on the people of the New World. It also explores how the spread of Christianity was driven by a desire to claim new territory for European countries and how it was used as justification for European expansionism.

Another major theme of this episode is the relationship between the European colonizers and the native populations. The episode explores the complex and at times violent interactions between the two groups, as well as the strategies used by both to gain an advantage in their interactions. Viewers get an in-depth look at the various conflicts and negotiations that arose as Europeans attempted to establish their hegemony over the New World.

The episode also focuses on the economic and societal changes that occurred as a result of the European colonization of the New World. Viewers get a glimpse into the ways in which European economic systems were imposed on the New World, leading to the exploitation of native labor and resources. The episode also shows how the transatlantic slave trade was initiated and explains how it became a crucial element of the European economic system in the New World.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with a wealth of information about the major cultural, societal, and economic changes that occurred during the period of European colonization of the New World. The episode is informative and engaging, presenting viewers with a comprehensive overview of this pivotal period in Western history. It also raises important questions about the impact of colonialism on indigenous populations and the enduring legacy of these imperialist practices.