Explain what you mean when you say that the world ‘shrank’ in the 1500s.

In 1500 there were many discoveries of new land and trade and commerce among the nation flourished.

• Discovery of the sea route to Asia increased maritime trade of Europe and Asia.

• America was discovered and a large number of people migrated to its vast land for trade and commerce.

• Trade with America for crops, raw materials and minerals changed the system of trade.

• People started to migrate from one place to another in search of a new livelihood.

• All these brought the people of the world closer to each other and interconnected them with one another. So, we can say that the world ‘shrank' in the 1500s.