The History of International and (more specifically) Canadian Trade

In the beginning… Countries such as China, India, and Japan were trading products throughout the world 15000 years ago. In the fifth century B.C., Greek and Middle Eastern merchants were involved in foreign trade.

In the beginning… Roman Empire dominated international business for more than 600 years. The Ottoman Empire brought together people from Portugal, Spain, northern Africa, the Middle East, and China. Viking explorers reached Iceland and Greenland.

Colonial Europe and International Trade In the 11th century, European countries such as England, France, Spain, and Portugal were shipping products by water. By the 15th and 16th centuries, explorers such as Columbus sought shorter water routes to India.

Colonial Europe and International Trade Eventually, many European countries established colonies in Africa, Asia, and North and South America which provided European businesses with low-cost raw materials and new markets for selling products.

Various inventions, such as the steam engine and telephone, created between 1769 and 1915, expanded interest in and opportunities for international business. Wars tend to limit global business activities; hence world peace is crucial if countries want to benefit economically from international business

History of Canadian Trade Activity Using your textbook from page 9-16 you will be split into 4 groups to look at Canada’s international trade connections with various regions of the world ( Europe, United States, the Pacific Rim, and Mexico & the Americas). You are to do the following: Summarize the key points of your section outlining the history of Canadian trade relations with your region Outline any trade agreements that exist .