Before 1492, Africa and Asia were fully as advanced and progressive as Europe. The development of Europe began in 1492 and resulted from colonialism

The selective rise of Europe began in 1492 and resulted, primordially, from the capital accumulated in colonial activities, mainly in the Americas. The beginnings of colonialism in 1492 resulted from global locational factors, not from any special qualities within European society. Therefore, colonialism explains the unique development of Europe.

These are the important and provocative arguments put forward by J. M. Blaut in the principal essays of this book, arguments which can profoundly affect the way we look at the evolution of the Third World, at development and underdevelopment. Cogent commentaries on Blaut's arguments, and on the significance of 1492 in history, politics, and geography, are given in essays by Andre Gunder Frank, Samir Amin, Robert Dodgshon, Ronen Palan, and Peter Taylor.

CATEGORY
History, Development Studies/AFRICA & ASIA