AGEOFEXPLORATION

EQ 3:How did exploration and colonization lead to a new type of economic system in Europe and the world?

I. The Columbian ExchangeA. term used to describe the global exchange of foods,

plants, and animalsB. From New World to Old World

1. tomatoes 5. corn2. potatoes 6. tobacco3. pineapples 7. peppers4. chocolate 8. squash

EFFECT healthier diets pop. boom

C. From Old World to New World1. horses 5. bananas2. pigs 6. peas3. cattle 7. yams4. sugar 8. disease

EFFECT changed lifestyles of natives opened door for easy conquest

II. The Commercial RevolutionThe development of new business methods which 1)encouraged investment, 2)utilized banking services, and 3)made profit the primary goal of a nation’s economy.

A. New Methods of “Doing Business” 1. Exploration very costly (supplies, ships, crews,

trade goods, etc)a) banking families of Renaissance could not afford b) need new ways to attract huge sums of money

2. Bankinga) Issued loans & checksb) Set exchange rates

3. Private Investment Companiesa) joint-stock companies (granddaddy of the corporation)

• easy to attract large sums of capital• limited liability (only lose what you invest)

b) insurance companiesB. Increase in money 1. Flow of gold/silver into Europe 2. New wealth used to invest in other ventures 3. Dev. of a new economic system: capitalism

a) business in the hands of private individualsb) goal is to make profit

III. MercantilismA. Form of national capitalism 1. goal is to derive profits for the nation rather than

private individuals 2. based on belief that a nation’s power is based on

its wealth; aim is to increase nation’s wealthB. Two ways to do this 1. Import gold/silver 2. est. a favorable balance of trade

(exports > imports)C. Mother Country est. colonies to do this 1. colonies serve as suppliers of raw materials and

markets for finished goods 2. closed trading system 3. profits flow into Mother Country

IV. Effects of Exploration, Settlement, & the Commercial RevolutionA. Shift of economic activity & power from Italy to western Europe (Atlantic)B. Changed the economies of Europe and the New World 1. reliance on money/banking 2. set up global trade network 3. rapid growth of governmentsC. Worldwide circulation of food products 1. foods grown in one area were transplanted/imported

around the world 2. improved diets led to population increases & better

health

D. Worldwide shifts in population 1. African populations were transmigrated to

New World 2. Native American populations were decimated

& relocated 3. Increased the power & presence of European

culture around the worldE. Increased scientific knowledge of nature and the world 1. more accurate maps 2. cultural diffusion new innovations & inventions