How did the Europeans in 1300AD who had famines, wars, and plagues manage to become world powers by 1500?

Question

Around 1300, famines were common Europe. Wars between kings were raging over the continent. Byzantium was conquered by the 4th crusade. The Black Death was to depopulated the cities and town all over Europe.
By 1500, they manage to become a world power.. How? Why?

Answer 1

Gun Powder

Answer 2

Technology

Any superpower in the world has become so through the exploitation of new and often dangerous technology. These Europeans were very much into making new armor and defenses. This is where a multitude of the castles were built and new body armor was being rapidly developed.

This was also the Golden Age of Spain. Spain's colonies in the Americas brought in an enormous amount of gold and silver, along with exotic crops which, when sold to Europeans, brought in a lot more money. This is how Spain funded its world famous Armada which went unbeaten until 1492. But this defeat was by the English which ensured another European country would become a World Power.

The European countries utilized a kind of sling-shot form of advancement. One country would become very powerful, then the rest would try to develop to take it down. With all the colonization, new ideas and a lot of money was being brought in that helped throw Europe to the head of the World's Super Powers.

Answer 3

Lots of reasons, but mainly the driving force to expand was money - they wanted to find better trade routes and new opportunities.

I wouldn't say that Europe became a world power by 1500, but the countries that were serious players were all sea-faring nations with strong mercantile classes (Spain, Portugal, England, France and the Venetians).

Plus the fact that us Euro dudes are rough, tough and ready for anything..........hurrah !!

Answer 4

The authorities and powers of Europe, motivated by Mercantilism, just began exploring the world by 1500 and used higher technology to displace societies with less technology. Europe didn't become a world power just world explorers and merchants.

Answer 5

Sex.