HISET Social Studies Practice 2026 - Free HISET Social Studies Practice Questions and Study Guide

The First Global Age, which is generally recognized as starting in the late 15th century, is significant because it was characterized by increased long-distance trade and travel. This era saw the establishment of new trade routes across the oceans, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures on an unprecedented scale. European nations, in particular, expanded their reach into Asia, Africa, and the Americas, leading to rich interactions that transformed economies and societies worldwide.

The growth of maritime exploration and the subsequent colonization effort contributed to an interconnected world where commodities like spices, sugar, and precious metals flowed between continents. This dynamic period laid the groundwork for the global economy we see today, influencing demographics, environmental changes, and the spread of technology.

In contrast, the other options refer to circumstances that do not accurately reflect the motivations and outcomes of this significant historical period. For example, it was not a time of isolationism but rather one of engagement and interaction among various civilizations. The notion of a decline in trade routes contradicts the very essence of this period, which was defined by expanding trade networks. Lastly, the timeline suggested in the other option is historically inaccurate, as the First Global Age occurred well before the early 1900s.