Mercantilism and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Flashcards covering key concepts related to mercantilism and the transatlantic slave trade.

Mercantilism

An economic system focused on gaining wealth through acquiring gold and silver and establishing a favorable balance of trade.

Favorable Balance of Trade

A trade condition where a country exports more than it imports.

Colonies

Territories established by European countries to secure natural resources.

Joint-Stock Company

A company that raises capital by selling shares of ownership, often sponsoring exploration.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The transportation of over 10 million Africans across the Atlantic, primarily for labor in plantations.

Middle Passage

The route taken by slave ships from West Africa to the Americas.

Triangular Trade

Trade system that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of goods and slaves.

Dehumanization

The process by which people are treated as property, losing their identity and rights.

African Slavery (Ancient World)

A form of slavery involving prisoners of war, criminals, or those in debt, often allowing for reintegration into society.

Tight Packers

Slave traders who packed as many slaves as possible into ships, leading to high mortality rates during transport.