Early Influences and Future Impact.

Reading through chapter two, we come across a variety of concepts that reshaped or reformed the early societies built through the rise of the Atlantic World. Many of these ideals established the basis of today’s societies. In both West Africa and Europe, market societies emerged. This caused an increase in wealth and therefore, established a new form of power. This then caused social, political, and even religious upheavals. These upheavals gave way to innovation. There were various lasting influences--language, politics, and a variety of social ideals.

Giving way to innovation is not always a positive track. For instance, the most known ideal that left the most negative impact on our society was new slavery. Slavery became established in the fifteenth century predominantly in West Africa. It became a high-volume business between the Portuguese, Europeans, and West Africans. Serious consequences were both socially and demographically devastating. It resulted in dehumanization of particular races—societies and cultures being dehumanized, becoming no more than property to the higher ranked ethnicities.

Racial prejudice is still rampant in society today regardless of laws. People still have a ranking system imprinted in cultures. Despite the fact that the once suppressed cultures are now free, many still remember the harsh racism and brutal treatment. I honestly believe that it was from that moment that individuals found full-forced power in a system of ranking that will forever taint the way we see each other. This is where the sadly common trait of being judgmental was unleashed at its highest point.

This is a slave trade route from 1650 to 1860. Source: http://history100slavery.wordpress.com/cassie-jones/

The link provided is also a link to more blogs about slavery from another class’s perspectives. I did not go through absolutely everything but I believe this student in particular discusses the time frames before and a bit after the 1500’s from our text.