Vermeer's Hat

Europeans viewed trade and globalization favorably, while the Chinese had mixed views on the subject. Using examples from the book, set out an argument for and against globalization using 17th-century European and Chinese views of the argument.

Brook lists several shipwrecks in Vermeer’s Hat. Detail these shipwrecks, and explain what each of the wrecks did to hurt or help globalization and the movement of people.

Brook uses several of Vermeer’s paintings, as well as other works of art, to delve into 17th-century globalization. Detail the paintings used. What clues within the paintings allow for inroads in the 17th century for Brook?

Smoking played a large role in connecting the 17th-century world. Using examples from Vermeer’s Hat, trace the origins of smoking from its roots in North America to its trek around the globe.

Using examples from the book, trace the history of silver from its findings in South America to its eventual blame as the reason for the Ming Dynasty’s fall.

Chinese porcelain became a much sought-after commodity, complete with reproductions and imitations. Using examples, retrace the history of Chinese porcelain in Vermeer’s Hat.

The use of tobacco was viewed differently by the rich and poor. Using examples from the text, explain how tobacco affected the rich and poor differently. What about monarchs and the clergy?

Brook claims that people began realizing their connectedness, and thus their humanity in relation to one another. Trace the concept of “difference” as it was developed in the 17th century and replaced by a shared human history.