Columbian Exchange

Benjamin Wright
6 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the Columbian Exchange, focusing on its economic, social, and cultural impacts on Europe and the Americas. Key topics include mercantilism, the exchange of goods, diseases (like smallpox and syphilis), the rise of the transatlantic slave trade, and the impact on indigenous populations. It also provides practice questions and exam tips for the AP European History exam.
#AP European History: Economic and Social Impacts of Colonialism π
Hey! Let's get you prepped for the AP Euro exam with a focused review of colonialism's impact. We're going to break down the economic, social, and cultural shifts that rocked Europe and the world. Let's dive in!
#The Columbian Exchange: A World Transformed
#What Was It?
The Columbian Exchange refers to the massive transfer of goods, animals, plants, diseases, and cultural practices between Europe, Africa, and the Americas following Columbus's voyages. It's a HUGE deal for the AP exam, so make sure you understand its wide-ranging effects.
- Global Exchange: This wasn't just about trade; it was a complete reshuffling of the world's biological and cultural landscape.
- West Atlantic Powers Rise: Western European nations saw their economic and political power skyrocket due to this exchange.
#Economic Impacts
- Mercantilism: This economic system emerged, emphasizing government control over trade to boost national power. Think of it as a zero-sum game where one nation's gain is another's loss. π‘ - Key Idea: Reject free trade; promote state-controlled economies.
- New World Goods:
- To Europe: Tobacco π¬, chocolate π«, potatoes π₯ (which became a staple food, especially during times of war and famine), and other exotic goods.
- To the Americas: Horses π, sugar π¬, and other livestock and crops.
- Economic Boom: European economies expanded dramatically due to access to new resources and markets. This also led to a rise in consumerism and the concept of exotic goods as status symbols.
- Port Cities: Cities like London, Bristol, Amsterdam, and Antwerp became major econo...

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