Columbian Exchange and Maritime Empires

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the Columbian Exchange and the development of maritime empires.

What was the main outcome of the Columbian Exchange?

The Columbian Exchange resulted in a transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and cultures between the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

Which two explorers are noted for their significant voyages around Africa?

Bartolome Diaz reached the Southern tip of Africa, while Vasco da Gama sailed all the way to Calico, India.

What was New Amsterdam and its significance?

New Amsterdam was a settlement established by the Dutch on the tip of Manhattan, which later became known as New York City after being taken by the Duke of York.

What were some key goods exchanged in the Columbian Exchange?

Key goods included crops like maize and potatoes, livestock such as cows and pigs, and diseases such as smallpox.

What were cash crops and provide examples?

Cash crops are crops grown primarily for sale, not for personal consumption; examples include tobacco, sugarcane, and cotton.

What was the impact of European diseases on Native Americans?

European diseases like smallpox decimated the Native American population due to their lack of immunity.

What led to the rise of chattel slavery in the Americas?

The demand for labor-intensive cash crops, combined with the devastating impact of diseases on indigenous populations, led to the establishment of chattel slavery.

What was the economic system of mercantilism?

Mercantilism is an economic system that emphasizes government control over trade and the accumulation of wealth in the form of gold and silver.

How did triangular trade work?

Triangular trade involved shipping manufactured goods from Europe to Africa, trading them for slaves, transporting those slaves to the Americas, and bringing raw materials back to Europe.

What was the Middle Passage?

The Middle Passage refers to the brutal sea journey undertaken by enslaved Africans from Africa to the Americas.