#AP European History: Economic and Social Impacts of Colonialism 🌍

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. 💡 - Key Idea: Reject free trade; promote state-controlled economies.
• New World Goods:
  • To Europe: Tobacco 🚬, chocolate 🍫, potatoes 🥔 (which became a staple food, especially during times of war and famine), and other exotic goods.
  • To the Americas: Horses 🐎, sugar 🍬, 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...