The Changes in Western Europe and China During The Period of 1001 to 1100

During the period of 1001 to 1100, Western Europe and China experienced extensive changes during their era. As a result of change politics, economics, and intellect evolved into strong civilizations. International trade routes among the Silk Road accounted for much of the influence of a more developed government and the change of religion.

Trade routes affected Western Europe and China differently. For example, the items of trade brought different elements to these societies. In China, trade meant merchants could now a part of a higher class. This thought process was brought on by the items of trade being one of expense and delicacy. International Trade routes in Western Europe meant disease, and biological transformations. Disease was spread easily among the networking throughout the transcontinental trade routes in transit. One thing that can be agreed on is commerce changed the lives of the Western European and Asian societies.

During the time of 1001-1100 China experienced what is known as The Golden Age. The Golden Age mean the turning point for Chinese patriarchy. The Chinese society was under rule of the Song dynasty at this time. This was a very upsetting time, especially for women of the era. During the Song dynasty the revival of Confucianism and patriarchal restrictions on women revived. The Song dynasty gave birth to the era of foot binding for women. Women during this time were viewed as a distraction, but foot binding meant beauty and acceptance among an elite social group.

Among the Chinese patriarchy of the Song dynasty, also lay the golden age of technological invention of gunpowder. During the eleventh century industrial production soared. China was providing military and government with the breakthrough invention. This also meant a revolution with war among military affairs. With this new-found invention of gunpowder China was able to develop even more powerful weapons than what they had before.

Emerging in India during the time of 800-1000 was Sufism. Sufism was a new religious practice within the Islamic community. The new religious practice created a Muslim Sufi organization of spiritual practices. This emergence of religion is a reminder of the central role that Islam played in the Afro-Eurasian world. What followed this change in the Islamic culture was Western imperialism that many Muslims were intimidated by.

Lastly, Christendom made apparent changes throughout the civilization in the eleventh century. Including the crusaders of Jerusalem, this reflected the European expansion. Unfortunately, Europe’s merchant activity and borrowing created military epidemics later on. Although, religion and politics separated the Western World of Europe and China, those factors also created a relationship that can never be changed as part of history.