Europe
Industry/agriculture: precious metals (imported) and technology,
mechanical items, gold and silver (from colonies), wheat and grains,
glass, ships.
Religion: Christianity and Judaism
Christianity Catholic until 1500, controlled by Roman Church with pope
at its head, based on orthodoxy surrounding the sacrifice of Jesus;
Judaism concentrated in trading areas due to Catholic money lending
restrictions, Jews shunned by many.
Philosophy: individualistic
emerging from thinking of Christian community as primary, success
measured in individual/familial achievement.
Mentality: individualistic, becoming more nationalistic
Historical thinking: linear
based on Judeo-Christian idea of progress over time, optimistic, future
will be better than now..
Social structure: stratified but mobile
class system loosening with increase in trade, emphasis on money over
land beginning.
Gender: men control public life, women control private life.
View of other cultures: others backward
Europe thought ahead of other cultures technologically and intellectually;
disdain for other value systems, especially cyclical thought.
Desirable imports: silk, gold and silver, spices, porcelain, jade,
jewels.