MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY: THE AGE OF EXPLORATION

Format B/C

This semester will trace development of modern European exploration, colonization, and mercantilism from the 15th to 18th centuries. We will explore religious and economic confrontations and examine how explorers and traders expanded their influence across the world, changing Europe’s economic structure and giving birth to state-run economies, sowing the seeds for the future of capitalism. Specifically:

• Portuguese and Spanish exploration and colonization
• The Columbian exchange; England and French colonization
• The Dutch ascendancy; mercantilism: European trade wars
• The modern middle-class society that emerged in the Netherlands
• Surprising tales of the Pirates of the Caribbean

Thursdays, May 29, June 5, 12, 19; 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Presenter: A favorite presenter at OLLI for over 10 years, Rainer Feldt received his Ph.D. from CSUF. Rainer taught European History at Saddleback College for 16 years and served as AP European History grader for the College Board.

Developer: Linda Robinson