Theme 1: A Period of Transition - Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Modern World

Overview of Historical Periods

Classification of History: Most countries divide history into three main periods: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
Ancient History (Class 6): Topics included Industrial Civilization, Mesopotamian Civilization, Ashoka, Jainism, Buddhism.
Medieval Period: Covered the rise of Christianity, Islam, Turkish invasions, and the Mughal Empire.
Modern Period: Begins with the decline of the Mughal Empire, particularly after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707.

Need for Classification: Helps bring order and continuity to historical events.
Understanding Evolution: Allows for perspective on the past and its relation to the present.
Turning Points: Identifies significant transitions in history.

Variations in Historical Periods: Countries experience different timelines for their historical periods due to stages of development.
Modern Age Start: Europe enters the modern age in the 15th century, while India begins its modern age mid-18th century (circa 1701-1800).

Key Turning Point: The conquest of India by the British as a major turning point from medieval to modern age.
British Rule: Unique in that they did not settle and adapt to Indian ways, creating a sharp divide.

Urbanization: Shift from agrarian to industrial economies, leading to urban growth.
Democratic Institutions: Introduction of voting and elections, moving away from monarchy.
Rationalism and Humanism: Emphasis on logical thinking and human affairs rather than divine matters.
Technological Advancements: Innovations like the steam engine, printing press, and seed drill.

Types of Sources: Divided into primary and secondary sources.
- Primary Sources: Original documents, literary works, artistic works, photographs, newspapers, and artifacts.
- Secondary Sources: Books, reviews, reports, and articles based on primary sources.

Renaissance (1300-1600): A period of significant change and discovery, marking a shift in ways of living and thinking.
Decline of Feudalism: New towns developed and trade increased, leading to individual rights and freedoms.

Fall of Constantinople (1453): Led to Greek scholars fleeing to Italy, promoting classical learning.
Exploration and Discovery: Major voyages initiated by figures like Henry the Navigator, Bartholomew Dias, and Vasco de Gama, leading to the discovery of new sea routes and lands.
- Vasco da Gama: Reached Calicut in 1498, establishing a critical trade route to India.
- Christopher Columbus: Sailed westward in 1492, mistakenly discovering America.

Division of New Lands: Spain and Portugal divided the newly discovered territories.
Economic Changes: Rise of a wealthy merchant class and decline of feudal dependence.
Colonization Process: Set in motion the colonization of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The discussion will continue with the topic of the Reformation in the next lecture.