Influential

Definition

Influential refers to the ability to affect or shape the opinions, behaviors, or outcomes of people and events. In various historical contexts, influential figures, ideas, and movements have played pivotal roles in transforming societies and advancing knowledge, leading to significant changes in political, economic, and cultural landscapes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Age of Exploration, influential explorers such as Columbus and Magellan expanded European horizons and initiated global interactions.
2. The Scientific Revolution saw influential figures like Copernicus and Galileo challenge existing views of the universe, leading to significant advancements in science and philosophy.
3. The rise of global markets during the early modern period was influenced by trade routes established by influential countries such as Spain and Portugal.
4. Influential texts during the Enlightenment, like John Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government', laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and individual rights.
5. Economic theories from influential thinkers like Adam Smith shifted perspectives on trade and commerce, ultimately shaping modern capitalism.

Review Questions

• How did influential explorers during the Age of Exploration reshape European perspectives on geography and trade?
  • Influential explorers such as Columbus and Magellan opened new trade routes and discovered previously unknown lands, significantly reshaping European perspectives on geography. Their voyages not only expanded European knowledge of the world but also initiated a wave of exploration and colonization. This led to increased trade interactions between Europe and the Americas, changing economic practices and cultural exchanges across continents.
• Discuss the role of influential thinkers in the Scientific Revolution and how their ideas challenged established beliefs.
  • Influential thinkers like Copernicus and Galileo played crucial roles during the Scientific Revolution by challenging long-held beliefs about the cosmos. Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model of the universe that contradicted the geocentric view upheld by the Church. Galileo's use of the telescope provided empirical evidence supporting this model, which not only advanced scientific understanding but also sparked conflicts with religious authorities, leading to broader implications for science's relationship with religion.
• Evaluate the impact of influential economic theories on global markets during the early modern period.
  • Influential economic theories from figures like Adam Smith introduced concepts such as free trade and competition that transformed global markets during the early modern period. Smith's ideas promoted individual entrepreneurship and reduced government intervention in commerce. This shift allowed for a more interconnected global economy, as nations sought to maximize wealth through trade while responding to market demands. The emergence of mercantilism also influenced colonial policies that aimed at enriching mother countries through resource exploitation from colonies.

Related terms

Renaissance: A cultural movement in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century that marked a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and learning, significantly impacting European thought and culture.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing political philosophy and societal reforms.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that dominated European policy from the 16th to the 18th century, emphasizing the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonial expansion.