Unit 1

Renaissance: The Origins of a Western Worldview

Lesson 2

What does the Europeans' treatment of people they contacted reveal about their worldview?

The Europeans' growing imperialism caused them to want power over new territories, their resources, and their people.

Europeans believed that their nations were powerful enough and important enough that their needs and wants were the most important. They did not consider the needs or desires of the people whose lands they invaded, the way we believe people should in modern times.

When Europeans arrived at a destination new to them, they claimed it for their country, which meant that, from then on, the country, its resources, and its people belonged to the rulers of the European country.