Hughes-Maya 1

Marianna Maya and Madison Hughes

Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Martin
Humanities 2
21 February 2015
Argument 1750-1914
Starting in 1750, much of the world was beginning to become more developed, Europe
was one of the main players when it came to developing. During this time period many parts of
the world were struggling to find a way to gain control of the available land. In China, the rulers
were having difficulties maintaining control of the growing population, and finding way to meet
people's demands. But unlike many parts of the world, Europe managed to become a hegemonic
power of the world through the help of competition and granting the people of their country
property rights.
European forces had a head start in many aspects of development in comparison to the
rest of the world,which in turn helped them become, what most parts of the world couldn't, a
homogeneous power. Examples of this are the agricultural revolution and scientific revolution,
which happened at a considerably earlier time than other countries. Taking a closer look in
Europe, Britain expansion overseas were impacted as the efficiency of financial and commercial
services grew, they gained recognition as a valuable means of purchasing importas in a period
when the penetrative power of commodity exports was restricted (Cain 469). Because Europe
was so highly developed, and had a strong economic foundation, it caused them to be
competitive in the whole worldly scheme during the time period of 1750-1914. Due to the
increase in competition, the the West began to formulate new ideas, like achieving intensive
agriculture, which became a universal value. Intensive agriculture originated in the west and

Hughes-Maya 2

was culturally imposed upon (diffused into) the whole of the world, and has its adherents today
in all parts of the world(Wallerstein 565). With the advancements in agriculture, the Europeans
were able to use the land more effectively and provide the food needed to feed the booming
population.
Property rights in Europe gave many of the common people a sense of involvement and
worthiness in their country. These patriotic people were finally given the opportunity to be more
than just another human living in this country, but rather physically own a section of their land,
rather than being ruled by the people on the higher level of the hierarchy. Property rights, granted
to the people in europe allow the proprietor to prevent the rest of the community from having
access to an estate, and the key historical process is that of modern enclosure. (Congost 76)
These rights were beneficial to the overall upcoming country because the fact of putting a value
on part of the country encompasses all different members of the society, and binds them together
to form more of a union. A man named Robert Brenner supported the idea that the key to longterm economic growth was to be found in the process of definition and enforcement of property
rights, (Congost 90) when he recognize the many positive economic and social contributions
property rights granted for Europe. These rights helped expand the government economically by
allowing people to provide financially to Europe, resulting in Western Europe becoming the head
hegemonic power in 1750-1914.
During 1750-1914 many advances were taking place, and Western Europe was ahead of
the rest of the world. While many part of the world were struggling to maintain power
throughout their land, Europe found a way to become a hegemonic power. This is was due to the
the help of competition and property rights.