The Columbian Exchange and Its Impact

These flashcards cover the key concepts and vocabulary regarding The Columbian Exchange, Spanish hierarchy, the encomienda system, and the Atlantic Slave Trade.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The exchange of plants, animals, humans, bacteria, and technology between the Old World and the New World initiated by Christopher Columbus.

What regions are included in the Old World?

Europe, Asia, and Africa.

What regions are included in the New World?

The Americas.

What social hierarchy developed in the Spanish colonies?

The hierarchy consisted of Peninsulares at the top, followed by Creoles, Mestizos and Mulattoes in the middle, and Native Americans and people of African descent at the bottom.

What was the purpose of the encomienda system?

To control and regulate Indian labor and behavior during the colonization of the Americas.

How did the encomienda system impact Indigenous people?

The system allowed Spanish leaders to effectively enslave Indigenous people, extracting labor and tribute.

What was the impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade on African societies?

It caused a slowdown in population growth, economic imbalance, and significant psychological distress among communities due to fear of raids.

What effect did the Transatlantic Slave Trade have on traders in Europe?

It brought great wealth to the traders and their countries.

Who were the highest social class in the Spanish colonies?

Peninsulares, or those born in Spain.

How were Native Americans treated under the encomienda system?

They were often treated cruelly and forced into labor.