Chapter 15–16: Global Connections and the Early Modern World (Africa and the Americas)

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from Pages 1–4 of the lecture notes.

What is the Old World Web and how did it lay the foundation for global exploration?

The Old World Web refers to pre-1500 interconnections among Europe, Africa, and Asia through trade, religion, technology, and migration that created networks fueling later global exploration.

How were Local Webs in Oceania, the Americas, and Southern Africa disrupted or absorbed after 1500?

They were disrupted or absorbed into global connections through European expansion, colonization, trade, disease, and cultural exchange.

What goals did Zheng He’s voyages serve for the Ming Dynasty?

To demonstrate Ming power and prestige, project soft power, establish tribute/trade networks, and extend influence rather than seek conquest.

What ended the Ming voyages, and what was their legacy?

The voyages stopped due to cost, internal politics, and a turn inward; they demonstrated Chinese naval capability but left room for European expansion.

Which advances in sail and shipbuilding enabled Europeans to sail farther into the Atlantic?

Caravels, lateen sails, sternpost rudders, and cannons.

How did Islamic knowledge help Europeans navigate the seas?

Islamic advances in mathematics (Arabic numerals), navigational instruments (astrolabe), star charts, and latitude/longitude aided navigation.

What was the Reconquista and its impact on Spain's outward expansion?

The Christian kingdoms retook Iberia from Muslim rule (completed in 1492); it fostered a warrior culture that pushed outward.

What were the main motivations of European mariners?

God (religion/missionary work), Gold (wealth/trade), and Glory (fame/power).

What was Vasco da Gama’s achievement and its significance?

First voyage by sea to India (1498), linking Portugal to the spice trade.

What did Columbus accomplish in Hispaniola, and what became Spain’s first base in the Americas?

His 1492 voyage reached the Caribbean; Hispaniola became Spain’s first base in the Americas.

Who was Ferdinand Magellan and what is he known for?

Led the first circumnavigation of the globe (1519–1522), though he died in the Philippines.

What diseases shaped global history during this era, and which groups illustrate population loss?

Diseases like smallpox and malaria devastated populations; examples include the Guanches, Tasmanians, and Taíno.

What is the Columbian Exchange?

The global transfer of plants, animals, people, and diseases after 1492.

How did horses transform Amerindian life on the Great Plains?

Horses transformed hunting, warfare, and mobility for many Indigenous groups on the Plains.

Name key crops that exemplified the Columbian Exchange.

Maize, cassava, potatoes, tomatoes, chilies, cacao.

How did New World crops influence European population growth after 1730?

Better nutrition from New World crops led to rapid population growth, especially in northern Europe.

How did Islam spread in Africa?

Spread through trade, migration, and conversion across North, West, and East Africa.

What were the two approaches to Islam in Africa—Africanizing Islam vs. Orthodoxy?

Some communities blended Islam with local traditions (Africanizing Islam), while reformers pursued a

King Afonso (of Kongo)

Converted to Christianity; allied with Portuguese.

Allowed European/Christian influence in coastal Africa.

European Colonies & New Societies

Small outposts became mixed societies through trade, settlement, and intermarriage.

Khoi People

Indigenous herders in southern Africa; displaced by Dutch settlers.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

Millions of Africans transported to the Americas between 1500–1800.

Middle Passage

Brutal journey across the Atlantic; extremely high death rates.

Major destinations: Brazil, Caribbean, North America.

Other Slave Trades

African slaves also sent to Islamic world, Indian Ocean islands, and Europe.

Slavery as a Business

Highly profitable system tied to capitalism and European expansion.

Female Involvement

Signares (women traders) and “wives of the coast” mediated African-European trade.