Publisher's Synopsis
"An original and innovative examination of the continent-and its culture-that was the epicenter of the world for almost five centuries. "
European history is deeply embedded in the global civilization that has emerged in the 21st century. More than two thirds of today's nations were once European colonies or protectorates. Europe's legacy is even evident in hegemonic powers like China. For centuries, Europe was the heart and soul of the West and enjoyed unprecedented global hegemony, not only by military and economic means, but also through their influence on politics and culture.
The rise and fall of the European era of world supremacy is one of the most epic histories of all time. Columbus's "discovery" of America provided the key to Europe's meteoric rise. Spain and Portugal would form the first global empires, closely followed by Holland, Britain, France and Russia.
Following the exploits of navigators like Vasco da Gama and Captain Cook, the conquistador Hernan Cortes, missionary Henry Livingstone and others, millions of Europeans migrants spread their culture and values. Statesmen, scientists, inventors, philosophers, writers, and revolutionaries at home were responsible for transforming Europe into a civilization that inspired universal attraction. Even into the 20th century, after reaching the nadir of imperial decline and self- destruction, Europe has once again become a global trendsetter.
