HIS102Y1 Lecture 12: Realignment of Europe
Document Summary
16th century had things happening that europeans felt they had very little control over. Fundamental changes that resulted in complete recalibration of europe. The italian economic wonder that gave rise to surplus wealth and all, was all driven by italian luxury trade with east mediterranean, this made italy almost wealthier than anywhere else and much more powerful. In 1453, constantinople fell to the turks (mohammed ii), and caused the collapse of the byzantine empire. Collapse of byzantine empire brought demise to the power of italy. Europe wasn"t able to stop the turks. The turks seemed to be virtually invincible. Mohammad ii took advantage of this crisis to expand the ottoman empire which became the most powerful empire. Turks began to capture rich trading posts and routes. Mohammad captured cities where those who converted to islam were enslaved, and those who didn"t convert, were slaughtered.
