World History and Cultures

Columbian Exchange In 1493, Christopher Columbus came back to Spain after his first cross Atlantic Trip with a number of plants, food as well as slaves– he would make a return trip back to the New World a year later carrying back 1200 settlers, European foods, technology and animals as well as diseases. – This exchange would eventually be called the Columbian Exchange In 1493, Christopher Columbus came back to Spain after his first cross Atlantic Trip with a number of plants, food as well as slaves– he would make a return trip back to the New World a year later carrying back 1200 settlers, European foods, technology and animals as well as diseases. – This exchange would eventually be called the Columbian Exchange

Columbian Exchange On their trips back from America, Europeans brought a number of foods including tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, corn, beans and potatoes. On their trips back from America, Europeans brought a number of foods including tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, corn, beans and potatoes. Corn, Potatoes, Beans, and Tomatoes would eventually contribute to population growth worldwide Corn, Potatoes, Beans, and Tomatoes would eventually contribute to population growth worldwide

Important Food from the Americas

Columbian Exchange Europeans carried a number of things to the new world such as wheat, and grapes – as well as bananas and sugar from Africa and Asia. Europeans carried a number of things to the new world such as wheat, and grapes – as well as bananas and sugar from Africa and Asia. Europeans brought a number of animals that later became fixtures in the Americas – Cattle, pigs, goats, chickens, donkeys and horses Europeans brought a number of animals that later became fixtures in the Americas – Cattle, pigs, goats, chickens, donkeys and horses

Commercial Revolution  The opening of direct links with Asia, Africa and the Americas – had a many consequences.

Commercial Revolution inflation rise increaseOne of the major consequences of this increased trade was the rise of inflation— (the economic cycle that involves, a rapid rise in prices linked to sharp increase in the amount of money available) – 2 Reasons for this Rise

Commercial Revolution Population demand rose upOne reason was that with the Population growth, the demand for goods and services rose – goods were scarce – prices went up Gold Silver CoinsAnother reason was that with New World Gold and Silver coming into Europe – that materials turned into currency (Coins) – which put more money into Circulation

Commercial Revolution  Another consequence of this increased trade was a rise in Capitalism (Economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit).  Entrepreneur (enterprising merchants) hired workers and paid for raw materials, transport and costs of production to launch new businesses

Commercial Revolution  Capitalists and Entrepreneurs made up a new business class that focused all of their efforts on making profits  New capitalists discovered more ways of creating wealth including – Joint Stock Companies – the companies that were usually backed by the government allowed people to pool large amounts of capital needed for overseas ventures  Capitalists also used many tactics to cut guilds out of profits – so they could make more profits for themselves – One of these methods were the Putting Out System

Mercantilism export imported gold silverMercantilism was a policy in which a nation sought out to export more than it imported in order to build its supply of gold and silver It was also aimed at strengthening national economies benefit parentUnder Mercantilism, Colonies existed to benefit their parent country. This was followed in a number of ways

Mercantilism  Colonies were supposed to provide resources and raw materials not available in Europe – and served as a market for its manufactured goods  They could not set up their own industries to manufacture goods  They were forbidden from buying from other countries  Only ships from the parent country or the colonies could be used in the colonies

Mercantilism increase revenuesMercantilist urged governments to adopt policies to increase national wealth and revenues in their home countries Minerals and timber resources were exploited New industries were backed A National currency was imposed Monopolies were sold to large producers Tariffs (Taxes on important goods) were imposed

Impact on Ordinary People  The Impact on the changes of Europe varied. ---  Merchants who invested in the ventures got rich  Nobles were hurt by the Rise in Inflation – because their wealth was based on Land not on industry and ventures  Peasants were not immediately impacted

Impact on Ordinary People  Cities were dominated by merchants, guilds, and lawyers – Middle class citizens lived well – while laborers would not greatly involved with the increase of wealth were hit the worst – Poverty increased.

Extra Credit Question – Identify 3 reasons why Christopher Columbus was so important to the Age of Exploration Helped to prove that the world was round. Helped to pave the way for future conquistadors in the new world Created an exchange of materials that transformed the Europe and the Americas