History of European Colonization and Mercantilism

Map Analysis Tasks

• Changes in Europe and Africa between 1870 and 1914.
• Identification of countries gaining significant control in Africa over this period.
• Analysis of potential European conflicts resulting from territorial changes in both Europe and Africa.

Motivations for European Colonization

• Early expansion (16th century): Focused on increasing wealth through overseas trade and exploiting new trading opportunities.
• Key materials: Acquisition of valuable items such as gold, silver, spices, and silks.
• Economic strategy: Overseas territories provided a cheap source of goods and a guaranteed market for European exports.
• Government role: Established control over trade and supported business interests when conflict arose.

Mercantilism and Empire Building

• Mercantilism: An economic policy founded on the belief that global wealth is limited; nations aimed to increase their share by competing with rivals.
• Possessions: Territory acquired through colonisation, conquest, purchase, or lease.
• Gradual growth: Continued influence in Africa and elsewhere led to the formation of large empires through the claiming of colonies.

The Trade in Enslaved People

• Process: European traders acquired people on the coast of Africa through bartering with chieftains or capture.
• Transatlantic route: Enslaved people were shipped to North America and the Caribbean for plantation labor.
• Agricultural products: Labor focused on harvesting cotton, tobacco, and sugar.
• Economic cycle: Plantation goods were shipped back to Europe and sold for large profits.

Key Definitions

• Colonies: Areas under the direct or indirect control of another country.
• Mercantilism: Policy of increasing national wealth at the expense of rivals, leading to colonies and wars.
• Possessions: Areas controlled via colonisation, conquest, purchase, or lease.
• International relations: The relationships between countries.