4.2: The First Global Economic Systems
Bartolome de Las Casas
Advocated for the natives and argued against inhumane treatment and enslavement of the native. He sent a letter to the King to protest and then abandoned the encomienda system. From this arose the Atlantic Slave Trade as an alternative. Despite this, he is known as one of the first advocates for universal human rights.
How did the slave trade impact Africa?
The slave trade was catastrophic for slaves and their families. It caused depopulated, deprived communities of their youngest and strongest men and women, increased warfare and raids on neighboring groups.
Explain the rivalry in Asia during the 17th century.
The spice trade brought in much competition. The English brought cloth & tea. When the French challenged the English, the Seven Years War broke out in India
What were the main affects of the Columbian Exchange?
- Built wealth & markets in the Americas. - Created cultural diffusion.
Why did European powers continue to explore and colonize new lands?
- Expand colonies for economic gain. - Developing a global economy. - Allows expansion of empires.
Explain the hierarchy of power in the Latin American leadership.
- Kings appointed governor generals then viceroys. - Peninsulares held all important positions. - Catholic missionaries controlled the Natives.
Colonies provided _____ which made it a marketplace for _____. This created a balance in trade and from it, the colonies became _____.
- raw materials - European goods - economically dependent
Mercantilism
A set of principles that dominated economic thought in the seventeenth century; it held that the prosperity of a nation depended on a large supply of gold and silver.
What was the result of the Seven Years War?
English force French out and strengthen the British East India Company.
Explain the Atlantic Slave Trade model.
Goods were sent to Europe which were then traded for slaves via guns and cloth. These slaves then were sent thought the Middle Passage and bought and sold in the Americas.
Why was labor from Africa necessary to the Latin America colonies?
It was necessary at the time as the demand for sugar cane increased, resulting in the need for a larger workforce. Essentially, it was a result of labor shortages.
Why were Africans used over the Native Americans?
It was, unfortunately, more cost effective than employing actual workers. Also, it was cheaper to buy a slave rather than raise one from birth.
Explain what the Encomienda System was.
Native Americans had to work for and pay tribute to Spanish landowners. Landowners were expected to protect the workers and instruct them in the Catholic faith, although in practice these features of the encomienda system were seldom carried out.
What were the people who were in charge of the Latin American colonies called?
Peninsulares
