II. Global Interaction and Exploration

Portuguese Empire

Network of fortified ports controlling trade routes—allowed Portugal to dominate Indian Ocean trade without large-scale settlement.

Columbian Exchange

Transfer of crops, animals, people, and diseases between hemispheres: Demographic Impact due to diseases and new crops, reshaped global diets and population patterns.

Conquest of the Aztec and Inca

Spanish victories aided by disease, weapons, and native allies

Global Silver Trade

American silver shipped to Europe and then to China—integrated global economies and increased China’s role in world trade.

Mercantilism

Economic policy favoring exports over imports, benefitting the mother country—encouraged imperial expansion and colonial exploitation.

Joint-Stock Companies

Businesses funded by multiple investors sharing risk—expanded capitalism