Cross-Cultural Interactions - Essay Example

Cross-Cultural Interactions Introduction Cross-cultural interactions that occurred between 500-1500 CE have shaped world history greatly. These interactions had various elements. Diplomacy was one of the elements whereby various states formed trade routes that were to be used to send envoys to various states with the intent of forming alliances. Religion played a major part in the interactions whereby Asian, North and West African societies interacted with other societies while spreading their Islamic faith (Long pg91). Christian missionaries frequently visited regions such as East Africa. It was during this period that the Europeans started their exploration throughout various parts of the world. Cross-cultural interactions during 500-1500 CE shaped the world through cultural diffusion which is important in helping one to understand world history during this period. Discussion Cross-cultural interactions between 500 and 1500 CE The period between 500 CE and 1500 CE saw the emergence of various cross-cultural events that are crucial in understanding world history. These cross-cultural interactions had significant socio-economic and political ramifications for all the societies that were involved. Previous centuries had seen a long period of instability in major societies such as China, Southwest Asia, Mediterranean and India. During 500 CE, the aforementioned societies were faced with a need to restore social and political order. This stability was to be provided by empires that were well established which were Tang, Abbasid and Byzantine from China, Southwest Asia and eastern Mediterranean respectively. These empires commanded order over vast territories and had economies that were very powerful. Core to cross-cultural interactions was the spread of major religions. In particular, Islam spread across India, North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. Another religion that played a vital role in bringing about cross-cultural interactions was Buddhism, which alongside with Confucianism spread from China via Korea to Vietnam. This period was also characterized with the spread of Christianity in the northern and the western part of Europe (Bently pg753). The beginning of 1000 CE and subsequent years saw a quick change in cultures throughout the world. Kingdoms and states became more centralized and cross-cultural interactions increased tremendously. In America, this is the period that led to the emergence of Andean, Mayan and Mississippian cultures. European renaissance, which is a major event in world history, occurred during this period. In addition, great empires and centralized states such as the Mongol empire in Asia emerged during this period. However, during the 14th century, cross-cultural interactions decreased tremendously following the demise of many participants in long-distance trade through bubonic plague. The Europeans and the Chinese were major culprits as they lost millions of people to the epidemic. The cross-cultural interactions did not die completely. The 15th century was a period when the western Europeans became prominent due to the wealth they had amassed from cross-cultural encounters with various societies. This prominence set standards for their part in influencing major undertakings in various parts of the world even in the modern world (Bently pg766). Significance of the Cross-Cultural Interactions The conquests and trading activities that were carried out by Muslim states led to a remarkable distribution of food and crops throughout Asia, which resulted to growth of population and increased food production in Europe, China and North Africa. Long distance trade was an aspect of culture that developed during this period. This trade brought major implications in culture and religion. Merchants carrying out this trade traversed various societies and cultural regions whereby they integrated with new communities. These merchants played a major role in the establishment of religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism in Asia, Christianity in Asia and Islam in some parts of Asia and Africa. This integration led to cultural and social changes as foreign merchants brought cultures and traditions that were deemed more superior by the host communities. Moreover, this integration provided numerous economic and political benefits to the host communities. In addition, these interactions provided fertile grounds for conversion through which numerous societies integrated foreign cultures and religions into their own cultures (Falt p314). The period of 500 to 1500 CE saw a large-scale diffusion of religion and culture. Particularly, there was a remarkable extension of Confucianism to southern Asia, Buddhism to Japan, Korea, China and central Asia. Islam spread throughout southwest Asia and North Africa. Islam was also introduced to India and central Asia. The spread of Christianity went hand in hand with formal education and literacy and these effects are still felt today. Direct relations were established because of cross-cultural interactions. In particular, the Mongols of China and western Europeans established direct relations with each other as they sought to form alliances against Muslims from southwest Asia. Cross-cultural interactions had various implications on the societies involved. In particular, the interactions led to the emergence of market economy in China and diffusion of innovations from various parts of China. This led to the stimulation of economic growth in Eurasia. Consequently, these activities led to the emergence of a world power in Europe (Bently p759). The cross-cultural interactions during the period between 500-1500 CE had a big influence in world history. This is because these interactions were foundation for nomadic era. However, the cross-cultural interactions were also responsible for ending other eras. Regular and frequent trade, which took the form of long distance, led to the spread of fatal diseases. Bubonic plague is the major suspect in many deaths that occurred in North Africa and a large part of Eurasia. The invasion of this disease disrupted societies mostly their economies and infrastructures that supported travel and communication during this age. The 14th century also saw a 25% population decline in Europe. There was a heavy decrease in the population of China during the 1200-1400 periods. This decline was brought about by bubonic plague and the bloody conquests perpetrated by the Mongols. Following a huge loss in population that participated in trade, the cross-cultural interactions declined. The second part of the 14th century saw interactions that were less intense and lacked an organization as the one exhibited previously (Falt p314). Cross-Cultural Interactions as Fundamentals for Understanding World History The cross-cultural interactions that took place during 500-1500 CE are important in understanding world history. Presently, the cross-cultural interactions that exist borrow heavily from the aforementioned historical interactions. Concisely, transportation of animals and plants has its roots in earlier interactions. Diplomacy, which still exists in the modern world, has its roots in the period between 500-1500 CE. Different states in various parts of the world used diplomacy as they sent envoys to foreign regions in order to seek formation of alliances (Bently p766). Europeans invented numerous transport and military technologies during 500-1500 CE through their interactions with other societies. This period saw the emergence of European exploration, which is highlighted by the Portuguese decision to mount expeditions into India and the sending of Christopher Columbus to the western regions across the Atlantic Ocean by Spain. The invention of technologies by Europeans alongside explorations is important in explaining the prominent status of Europeans in the global front. The expansion of Europe opened an era that extended from 1500 CE to the present day. Moreover, the interactions that occurred during 500-1500 CE had a wide range of ramifications that are still felt in modern times. This is because the interactions brought with them ethnic identities that have existed to modern times. In light of this, the entire human community has been largely influenced by cross-cultural interactions that took place in history (Falt p314). The spread of religion during this era was important is setting religious standards that exist in the modern societies. Most parts of the world had not experienced some of the faiths that emerged because of cross-cultural interactions between various communities during 500-1500 CE. Diplomats and missionaries carried out their respective activities as they took part in the long-distance trade. Islamic merchants spread Islamic faith as they traversed Eurasia, West Africa and Southeast Asia. The period 500-1500 CE is synonymous with diffusion of religions that have persisted in the modern society. Southeast Asia is a region that practices Confucian values, which were spread to the region during the 6th and 16th century (Long p91). Other regions that embraced religions as a result of cross-cultural interactions are North Africa and southwest Asia who borrowed Islam, central Asia who adopted Buddhism, and Russia who borrowed orthodox Christianity among other regions. Moreover, this period also saw the spread of formal education and literacy across Europe. The cross-cultural interactions carried out during this period brought out the cultural and religious changes that shaped Europe and modern societies. The Cross-cultural interactions, which occurred during the 500-1500 CE period have an enormous influence on history and should be highly recognized in modern historical studies (Bently p759). Conclusion In summary, the cross-cultural interactions had a great influence on major aspects of culture that still persist in the modern world. These aspects include religion, which was spread to many parts of the world. The religions still exists in the regions where they were spread during 500-1500 CE. The use of diplomacy which still persists in modern societies was used by communities during the 500-1500 CE to foster peaceful relations. The dominance by Europeans in various activities during this period alongside military and exploration achievement is important in helping individuals understand the reasons behind European dominance in various aspects of modern societies. Through cultural and ethnic diffusion, the cross-cultural interactions produced ethnicities that persist in the modern society. Works Cited Bently, Jerry H. "Cross-Cultural Interaction and Periodization in World History." The American Historical Review (1996): 749-770. Falt, Olavi K. "Encounters and Theoretical Roots of The Study of mental Images." 2008. 2 April 2012 . Long, Robert. Stepping Out Into Cross Cultural Interactions. Morrisville: Lulu.com, 2006. Read More