Introduction The period from 1250 to 1750 witnessed significant transformations in the global balance of economic and political power. Emerging from the Mongol Empire's height in the 13th century to the Enlightenment era of the 18th century, these centuries saw shifts in trade routes, technological advancements, political structures, and global interactions. By examining primary sources such as Ye-lu Ch’u ts’ai’s "Account of a Journey to the West" (1220s), Qian Long’s "Letter to George III" (1793), and Chen Hongmou’s "Duties of a Local Magistrate" (1700s), we can analyze how economic and political power changed and the reasons behind these shifts. Economic and Political Landscape in 1250 In the mid-13th century, the world was characterized by regional empires and trade networks. Ye-lu Ch’u ts’ai's journey, part of the Mongol Empire’s expansion under Genghis Khan, illustrates the interconnectedness …show more content…
Economic and Political Landscape in 1750 By the mid-18th century, the world had seen the rise and fall of empires, the expansion of maritime trade routes, and the beginnings of industrialization in Europe. Qian Long’s letter to George III of Britain in 1793 illustrates the Qing Dynasty’s perspective on global relations and trade. Our Celestial Empire possesses all things in prolific abundance." Qian Long's letter reflects China's view of itself as a self-sufficient empire, emphasizing its economic strength and traditional trade policies centered on tribute and hierarchical relationships. However, this period also saw the rise of European maritime powers and the intensification of global trade networks, challenging traditional centers of economic and political power. Shifts in Economic