Atlantic Slave Trade, Commercial Revolution, and Exploration: Big

Picture

Age of Exploration

SlaverySlavery had existed in Africa and

elsewhere around the world since ancient times

Atlantic Slave TradeEuropean slave trade in Africa (Atlantic Slave

Trade) a. Began in the 1500s b. Based on race c. Worked on tobacco and sugar plantations d. African tribes fought each other and sold captives into slavery (Europeans sold weapons to African tribes)

Slavery in the Spanish ColoniesDifficulty to enslave Native Americans 1. Disease, starvation, and cruel treatment – decline in Native

American population 2. Knew the land – could run away

Labor shortage in the Americas – workers from Africa

As the demand for sugar increased – the number of slaves in the Americas increased

Middle Passage

Movement of Africans from Africa to the Americas (part of the Triangular Trade)

Impact of the African Slave Trade on AfricaPopulation drainDecline and disappearance of some

African tribesEstablishment of some African states that

relied on the slave trade

Commercial Revolution (Growth of Capitalism)Capitalism the investment of money to

make profitEntrepreneurs merchants who invested

in overseas venturesHigh prices and high demand = more

investment opportunities

Commercial Revolution (New Business Methods)Insurance (reduce business risks)

insured ships and cargoBanks store money and lend money at

interestJoint Stock Company merchants came

together to invest in an overseas venture (Dutch East India Company)

Mercantilism (Beliefs)A Nation’s wealth = amount of gold and

silverA nation must export (sell) more than it

imports (buys)Goal – increase national wealth

Mercantilism (Role of Colonies)Provide resources and raw materials not

available in Europe (sugar). Colonies could only send raw materials and resources to their mother countries

Serve as a market (buy goods) from their mother countries

Mercantilism (Rules)Colonies could not set up industries or

manufacture goodsOnly ships from the mother country or

colonies themselves could be used to send goods in or out of the colonies

Exploration: Big PicturePortugal  Brazil                             Spain South and Central AmericaGreat Britain North AmericaFrance Canada

Permanent Settlements

 Portugal and Netherlands Africa Spain         Philippines TradingGreat Britain India PostsNetherlands    Indonesia                          

Exploration: MotivesDemand for gold, spices, and natural

resources in EuropeSupport for the diffusion (spreading of)

Christianity

Political and economic competition between European empires

Pioneering role of Prince Henry the Navigator

Exploration: PopulationNative American population decreased

(diseases brought by Europeans)European population increased

Exploration: EconomicsEuropean plantation system destroyed the

native economies of Africa, India, and the Americas

Expanded trade (more investment opportunities) Global Economy

Gold and Silver – Spanish EconomyMercantilism increase national wealth

Exploration: EconomicsEuropean countries competed for natural

resourcesColumbian Exchange – trade in products

such as corn, potatoes, and tobacco + animals such as horses and cattle

New money and banking systems created

Exploration: ReligionConversion of natives by Catholic nationsSpain and France (convert natives)Great Britain (haven for religious

persecution) /economic issues were dominate

Exploration: SlaveryEuropean trading posts were established

along the African coast to conduct trade in slaves and gold

Plantation system (large labor force) stimulated the use of Africa slaves slavery was based on race

Exploration: Social ClassesSpain brought a social class system to the

Americas (Peninsulares, Creoles, etc..) characterized by a rigid social structure with Spaniards at the top and natives at the bottom

Exploration: TradeTriangular trade in slaves, gold, tobacco,

rum, furs, and raw materials influenced the economies of Africa and the Americas

Africa imported manufactured and food products (corn and peanuts)

Africa exported slaves and raw materials