World History II

The World History II course focuses on the increasing interconnectedness of the world after 1300. 

The class begins with an analysis of Europe’s growing power during the Renaissance and Reformation, culminating in the continent’s exploration of much of the world after 1492.  After examining the dominance of absolute rulers around the world during the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the course charts the emergence of revolutionary ideas beginning with the American and French Revolutions that undermined the power of absolute rulers.  The class then shifts its attention to social and economic issues as it explores the dramatic transformation wrought by the Industrial Revolution throughout the 19^th century. 

The course concludes by studying the development of Western imperialism around the globe at the end of the 19^th century.