The Columbian Exchange & Global Trade Chapter 20 Section 4 p. 500-503

The Columbian Exchange The global transfer of foods, plants, and animals during the colonization of the Americas.

From the Americas to the World: Corn and potatoes were probably the most important items. They: Were inexpensive to grow and highly nutritious Helped people live longer and healthier Increased the world’s population

New to the Americas: From Europe -new livestock – horses, cattle, pigs From Africa - bananas, black-eyed peas, yams

Exchanged Diseases From Europe: From America: Smallpox Influenza Typhus Measles Malaria From America: Syphilis Hepatitus

EUROPE RECEIVED COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE AMERICAS RECEIVED FOOD CORN, WHITE POTATOES, PUMPKINS, TOMATOES, CACAO, STRAWBERRIES, QUININE, TOBACCO SUGAR, WHEAT, RICE, CITRUS FRUITS, TEA, COFFEE, BANANAS, OKRA, BARLEY, OATS, WINE GRAPES ANIMALS TURKEYS, GUINEA PIGS, RATTLESNAKES, BUFFALO, RACCOONS HORSES, CHICKENS, PIGS, COWS, GOATS, SHEEP, RATS, OXEN DISEASES SYPHILIS SMALLPOX, MEASLES, INFLUENZA RELIGION CHRISTIANITY WEAPONS AND TOOLS GUNS AND IRON TOOLS

A Commercial Revolution New wealth from the Americas and a growth in overseas trade drastically change business practices.

The Rise of Capitalism An economic system based on private ownership and the investment of wealth for profit. Governments are not the sole owners of wealth. The increases in wealth brought on inflation.

Joint-Stock Companies When people pool their wealth for a common purpose. Large amounts of money were needed to establish overseas colonies. A joint-stock company was responsible for the establishment of Jamestown, Virginia.

The Growth of Mercantilism The theory that a country’s power depends mainly upon its wealth. Armies and navies need wealth to operate.

To Increase power a country needs to: 1. Obtain as much gold and silver as possible. 2. Establish a favorable balance of trade. To sell more goods than it buys from other nations. 3. Ultimately, to become self-sufficient.

Colonies Provide raw materials. Become a market where the home country can sell its goods.

Changes in European Society Towns grew in size. A merchant class developed. Merchants rose in status. The majority of Europeans remained poor.