During this unit we will talk about the Age of Discovery and Absolutism. Students will learn about the different explorations that were happening during this time period. This unit focuses on European exploration and trade. It also focus on the effects of the absolute power of European monarchs. This is an important part of World History, and since the majority of the students are from Asia, they aren't as familiar with it as students from different parts of the world. I want students to understand the positive and negative affects of trade. I want them to think critically about how exploration changed the world and I want them to see how their lives were shaped by trade and exploration.
Unit 2: Essential Questions
How did early explorations influence history?
Why was the spread of Christianity important?
What were the effects of the Columbian Exchange?
How did the interactions between colonizers and native peoples impact how each were seen world-wide?
What are the lasting impacts of European colonization?
Why was the spread of Christianity important?
What were the effects of the Columbian Exchange?
How did the interactions between colonizers and native peoples impact how each were seen world-wide?
What are the lasting impacts of European colonization?
Unit 2: Enduring Understandings
- As Europeans explored, they came into contact with other races of people, whom they exploited for commercial gain. This resulted from and reinforced racism and an attitude of white supremacy.
- Advances in technology helped make exploration possible.
- The effects of colonization on native people. (Spanish and Portuguese in Latin and South America and other European countries in North America.)
- The triangular trade had an important and devastating impact on enslaved Africans in the Americas as well as on the West African culture and population.
- The Colombian Exchange and its negative and positive effects.
- Is Columbus a hero or villain?