The Columbian Exchange

What is it? The global transfer of foods, plants, and animals during the colonization of the Americas. Items brought back from America had never been seen before but quickly became an important part of society.

Impact: Europe Simple items such as corn and potatoes became revolutionary in Europe because they were cheap, easy to grow, and nutritious. As a result the European population exploded.

Impact: The Americas Animals such as cattle and horses were adopted by native cultures. However the disease brought with Europeans and these new animals decimated native populations.

Effects of Global Trade As a result of new wealth and expanded overseas trade, two new economic systems are born. 1. Capitalism 2. Joint-Stock Companies

Capitalism An economic system based on private ownership and the investment of resources, such as money, for profit. In other words, governments were no longer the only owners of wealth and the merchant class expanded (increased middle class).

Joint-Stock Companies As the number of businessmen and middle class grew so did the type of businesses. The joint-stock company was like a modern day corporation with investors bought shares of the company. People now began pooling their money for a common purpose.

Mercantilism The belief that a nations power depended on its wealth and as a result the goal of every nation should be to attain as much wealth as possible at any cost. They needed to gain this wealth by either finding gold or establishing trade with a rival where they made more money.

Economic Effects on European Society Urban populations and the # of merchants increased by incredible amounts. These economic ideas reinforced the idea of nationalism and European nations increased in power. Although a middle class emerged, monarchs still managed to maintain most of the new wealth.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Causes of African Slavery 1. Slavery was already a common institution around the world including Africa. 2. Increased demand/need as a result of disease in America.

1. Slavery in Africa Slavery existed in Africa for centuries and increased with the introduction of Islam when Arab traders introduced the practice further. Slaves were treated relatively well in the African system.

2. Increased Demand/Need Europe used Africans because they were already immune to disease and had experience in the kind of work required.

Spain, Portugal, and Slavery With Spain and Portugal being the first to colonize the Americas, they were the first to need the labor of slaves. At one point 40% of all imported slaves went to Brazil.

Spread of Slavery As England grew in power in size it quickly became the largest importer of slaves. 1.7 Million to its’ island colonies and 400,000 to North America.

African Role Many African rulers took part in the slave trade. Instead of Europeans moving inland, African groups would bring slaves to the coast.

Triangular Trade The trade network that developed between Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Slaves from Africa, Raw Materials from the Americas, Manufactured Goods from Europe.

The Middle Passage The voyage that brought new slaves to the Americas. It is estimated that 20% of enslaved Africans died before making it to America.

The Life of A Slave Slaves were auctioned to the highest bidder and worked in a wide range of fields. Slavery became passed down from generation to generation. Numerous slave rebellions took place.

Consequences of the Slave Trade In Africa: Many cultures lost entire generation, families were torn apart, and guns were introduced. In the Americas: African slaves built much of the New World, African culture became a part of American culture, and Europe grew stronger.

History of Slavery 650 AD: Muslims transport about 7 million slaves to North Africa and the Middle East. 1400-1500 AD: Portuguese explore Africa. 1500-1600 AD: Spain and Portugal begin enslaving Africans and sending them to America. 1600-1700 AD: Atlantic Slave Trade grows dramatically under Spain and Portugal. 1690 AD: England takes the lead in the Slave Trade. 1870 AD: Atlantic Slave Trade ends.