1. Compare and contrast the development of two major Empires we have studied (at least one must be outside of Western Europe). Be sure to address the motivations for their expansion, the problems they encountered, and the ways they attempted to address these problems. What were the consequences for both the people of the Empire and the peoples in the regions to which they spread? 2. Discuss the reasons for, and the effects of, the globalization of commerce in the early modern era. Be sure you discuss at least 2 global commodities (you can cover more) and at least 2 regions of the world. Explain the reasons these became global commodities and the effects of this process on peoples and regions both where the commodities came from and where they were sold to. 3. Agree or disagree with the following claim, explaining your reasons why: Although Christianity did undergo some minor changes as it spread globally in the early modern era, it remained basically the same everywhere it developed and those who spread it were equally successful in all cases. Be sure in your answer you identify specific places and peoples, and the reasons for any changes or regional differences you address. 4. Argue what was so revolutionary about the Scientific Revolution. In your answer, discuss earlier assumptions of science and cosmology, the role of individual intellectuals and scientists and their ideas, and the impact of these ideas on the broader society in Europe (and globally), especially during the Enlightenment. You must have a thesis statement that puts forth the central argument you will make throughout the essay. I cannot overstate the importance of developing and preparing a clear argument for each essay. Try to include this statement early in your essay, usually in or at the end of your first paragraph. Then, dont forget about it! Keep it firmly in mind as you advance through your paper. You must support your broad argument with specific evidence and examples drawn from the readings and the lectures. Be sure always to place these specific examples in historical context and explain how they relate to your argument. So dont just mention a name or a date or an event always explain its significance to the argument you are advancing. Finally, close with a clear Conclusion that summarizes what you have covered and offers a final ASSESSMENT of the topic at hand, stating, for example, the degree and nature of change, whether the successes outweighed the failures or whether the reverse was true, or the ways groups or ideas differed from or resembled those that came from elsewhere or from before or after. The main point of a conclusion is to finish strong and to leave the impression that you know what you are talking about, rather than just drifting off or ending suddenly.
