Global Connections: 1450-1750

Asia wouldn't have entered into trade agreements with European nations.

The African coast may have been colonized differently, altering geopolitics of the Atlantic World.

The Americas would remain undiscovered by Europeans for centuries.

Australia and New Zealand would remain uninhabited until the 19th century.

Europeans wouldn't seek alternative routes to Asia for spices and luxury goods trading.

Native American cultures wouldn't have experienced major disruptions or losses due to disease and conflict.

There wouldn't be any significant influence on African slave trade.

Portugal could have become more dominant in transatlantic exploration sooner than Spain.

Eradication of all indigenous cultures

Indigenous societies remained largely unaffected

Introduction of new religions especially Christianity

Creation of entirely new languages

Maize because while it became important, it didn't have the same immediate effect as sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes because they thrived on marginal lands not suited for traditional cereals.

White potatoes because they provided high caloric value but required large amounts of arable land.

Tomatoes because although popular, their impact on nutrition and population was less significant.

Due to competition from inexpensive American-produced goods.

Increased demand for luxury products led to a decrease in correct responses.

It is known that there was a decline in agricultural production as farmers switched to mining.

Mine workers' wages increased dramatically due to inflation caused by an influx of silver.

The Kingdom of Kongo adopted Christianity as a means to establish stronger ties with Portugal.

The Ashanti Empire expanded inland trade routes avoiding direct competition with Europeans on the coast.

Mali maintained Islamic traditions while developing trade relations with multiple European powers simultaneously.

The Mutapa State engaged heavily with Portuguese traders without formally aligning religions.

Mercantilism

Capitalism

Communism

Socialism

Abandonment of traditional cultures for western ones only

Unity among different cultures under one global culture

Spread of religions especially Christianity and Islam

Decline in religious faith across societies

The steam engine

The magnetic compass

The telegraph

The seaplane

to conquer the Americas

to find alternative sailing routes to Asia

to outcompete major Asian players (China) in trade

to expand the Indian Ocean trade network