Free online courseHistory of the World since 1500 CE

Course Description

The "History of the World since 1500 CE" course promises an immersive and comprehensive insight into the transformative events that have shaped our modern world. With a duration of 25 hours and 56 minutes, this course is perfect for anyone eager to understand the dynamic changes that have occurred from the early modern period to contemporary times. Students and history enthusiasts alike will find the detailed exploration of global history enlightening and enriching.

Structured within the Basic Studies category, under the History subcategory, this course aims to acquaint learners with significant historical milestones and phenomena from different parts of the world. The high-quality content and the methodical approach taken in this course have earned it an impeccable average rating of 5.0 stars, reflecting the high level of satisfaction from previous participants.

The journey begins with an in-depth look at the early modern transformations in Europe from 1500 to 1750, a period marked by profound cultural, political, and economic changes. From there, the course navigates through the interactions between The Americas, the Atlantic, and Africa, spanning the years 1530 to 1770. This dual-part exploration sheds light on the complexities of the triangular trade, colonization, and the resulting cultural exchanges and conflicts.

Covering the sprawling and dynamic Southwest Asia and the Indian Ocean regions from 1500 to 1750, students will gain insights into how trade, politics, and culture intertwined in these pivotal areas. Similarly, the mechanisms of early modern Islamic governance will be unraveled, providing a clear understanding of the socio-political and religious structures during this era.

Attention then shifts to East Asia, covering Korea, Japan, and China in the sixteenth century, followed by an examination of Northern Eurasia from 1500 to 1800. These sections highlight not only internal developments but also the ways these regions interacted with the broader world.

The course also delves into the revolutionary changes sweeping the Atlantic World between 1750 and 1850 and introduces learners to the early wave of industrialization from 1760 to 1851. This is followed by a detailed examination of Egypt and the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century and British India, providing a holistic view of these critical regions during a period of significant upheaval.

In the sections covering nineteenth-century China and Africa, the course provides a thorough understanding of the crucial political, social, and economic changes undergone by these regions. The exploration of the century's prevalent ideologies, encapsulated by the term "Nineteenth Century isms," informs students of the intellectual currents driving historical processes during this time.

The narrative then accelerates, encapsulating the themes of velocity and modernity, and introduces Social Darwinism, reflecting the scientific and pseudo-scientific ideas proliferating during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

As the course progresses into the twentieth century, it covers monumental historical events and shifts, including the impacts of World War I and II, decolonization, and Cold War dynamics. Special attention is given to the relations between humans and animals, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of historical change.

Finally, the course wraps up with concluding reflections, synthesizing the vast array of content covered and encouraging students to appreciate the interconnectedness of global historical processes. By course end, learners emerge with a nuanced comprehension of world history since 1500 CE, equipped to understand the past’s continuing influence on today’s world.