COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE & GLOBAL TRADE Unit 4, SSWH 10 b
SSWH 10 B Describe the Columbian Exchange, & it economic impact, and cultural impact.
Columbian Exchange : 1500s – 1700s Global transfer of foods, plants, & animals during the colonization of the Americas Ships from the Americas brought back a wide array of items to Europe, Asia, & Africa
Important Items: corn & potatoes – these foods became a part of the diets around the world (boost population) Europeans sent goods to the Americas (west): livestock – horses, cattle, sheep, & pigs Foods from Asia & Africa
Tragic impact: Native Americans – millions died from diseases brought by colonist
Global Economic Impact Establishing colonies influenced European nations wealth Capitalism: an economic system based on private ownership & investment of resources Individuals profiting from their investments & businesses flourished Inflation occurred (an increase of money & the supply of goods went down but the demand still there = prices go up)
Joint Stock Corporation (investors buying shares in a company) = colonization ex. Jamestown Mercantilism an economic policy under which nations sought to increase their wealth & power by obtaining large amounts of gold & silver – by selling more goods than they bought. Nation’s goal was to become self- sufficient, not depend on other countries for goods
Cultural Impact Colonies: merchants grew in wealth & socially, colonies grew but had no power Europe: few grew socially (only investors)