Western Civilization Transformations in secular and religious power, the rise of the Atlantic
In 2-3 Paragraphs at most per question answer these questions.

Based on what you’ve learned about continental political and social history—through reading, the lecture slides, and the board discussion, why were the Portuguese and the Spanish the first to establish a permanent presence in the East, Africa, the Caribbean and the South America? In other words, why the Portuguese and Spanish and not other powers such as the Germans, Italians, Ottomans, French or English?
Describe two main characteristics of any absolutist monarch? explain the role that absolutism played in either the War of Spanish Succession, Austrian Succession, or the Great Northern War. What are the two most important traits of an absolute monarch? Explain what role absolutism played in either the War of Spanish Succession, the War of Austrian Succession, or the Great Northern War.
How did the rise of slavery and the plantation system change European politics and society? For part of your answer, describe some of the rules listed in the broadsheet A Sober and Wholesome Drink regarding coffee shop behavior and consider how this might have affected western society in areas with booming coffee shop cultures (such as in France).