Crash Course World History: The Influence of Spain and Silver Trade
Introduction
Host: John Green
Focus: Spanish influence globally over several centuries
Impact: Largely negative, despite economic growth
The Aztec Empire
Formation: Alliance of three major cities in Mexico (c. 1430)
Society:
Hierarchical, with an emperor and nobles
Powerful class of priests who conducted human sacrifices to prevent disasters and apocalypse
Territory: Southern Mexico, parts of Guatemala, Yucatan
Downfall: Conquered by Hernán Cortés with help from local tribes discontent with Aztec rule
Achievements:
Built capital city Tenochtitlan like Venice with canals
Chinampas (floating gardens) for agriculture
The Inca Empire
Origin: Founded in the 13th century
Population: Ruled 4-6 million by the Spanish arrival in 1532
Society:
No written language, but used quipus for records
Integrated conquered peoples effectively through language and labor
Implemented the mita system for public works
Conquest and Aftermath:
Spanish adapted the mita for mining silver
Spanish governance through viceroyalties (New Spain and Peru)
Spanish Conquest and Silver Mining
Economic Focus: Gold initially, then silver discovery led to economic boom
Labor: Indigenous peoples forced into mining under harsh conditions
Consequences:
Mercury poisoning from silver refining
Spanish mines dominated global silver production (150,000 tons, 16th-18th centuries)
Economic Impact on Spain:
Wealth influx led to inflation, funding wars
Mismanagement led to economic issues
Global Impact of Silver
Europe and China:
Chinese demand for silver, shift from copper/bronze to silver coins
Change in Chinese tax policy to silver, leading to economic shifts
Global trade networks established
Economic Conundrum:
Both Spain and China faced inflation and economic strain
Long-term global trade implications
Cultural and Historical Reflections
Wider Effects:
Contributed to European power dynamics and conflicts
Impacted arts and culture in Europe (e.g., Shakespeare)
Moral Consideration:
Debate over whether the trade and conquest were worth human and environmental costs
Conclusion
Crash Course producers and acknowledgments
Discussion prompt on historical consequences and personal reflection
This lecture provided a comprehensive look at the Spanish Empire's global influence, highlighting the profound economic and cultural impacts stemming from the silver trade and conquest.
Consider the long-term effects on modern society and history as presented by John Green in this educational episode.
Crash Course World History: The Influence of Spain and Silver Trade
Introduction
Host: John Green
Focus: Spanish influence globally over several centuries
Impact: Largely negative, despite economic growth
The Aztec Empire
Formation: Alliance of three major cities in Mexico (c. 1430)
Society:
Hierarchical, with an emperor and nobles
Powerful class of priests who conducted human sacrifices to prevent disasters and apocalypse
Territory: Southern Mexico, parts of Guatemala, Yucatan
Downfall: Conquered by Hernán Cortés with help from local tribes discontent with Aztec rule
Achievements:
Built capital city Tenochtitlan like Venice with canals
Chinampas (floating gardens) for agriculture
The Inca Empire
Origin: Founded in the 13th century
Population: Ruled 4-6 million by the Spanish arrival in 1532
Society:
No written language, but used quipus for records
Integrated conquered peoples effectively through language and labor
Implemented the mita system for public works
Conquest and Aftermath:
Spanish adapted the mita for mining silver
Spanish governance through viceroyalties (New Spain and Peru)
Spanish Conquest and Silver Mining
Economic Focus: Gold initially, then silver discovery led to economic boom
Labor: Indigenous peoples forced into mining under harsh conditions
Consequences:
Mercury poisoning from silver refining
Spanish mines dominated global silver production (150,000 tons, 16th-18th centuries)
Economic Impact on Spain:
Wealth influx led to inflation, funding wars
Mismanagement led to economic issues
Global Impact of Silver
Europe and China:
Chinese demand for silver, shift from copper/bronze to silver coins
Change in Chinese tax policy to silver, leading to economic shifts
Global trade networks established
Economic Conundrum:
Both Spain and China faced inflation and economic strain
Long-term global trade implications
Cultural and Historical Reflections
Wider Effects:
Contributed to European power dynamics and conflicts
Impacted arts and culture in Europe (e.g., Shakespeare)
Moral Consideration:
Debate over whether the trade and conquest were worth human and environmental costs
Conclusion
Crash Course producers and acknowledgments
Discussion prompt on historical consequences and personal reflection
This lecture provided a comprehensive look at the Spanish Empire's global influence, highlighting the profound economic and cultural impacts stemming from the silver trade and conquest.
Consider the long-term effects on modern society and history as presented by John Green in this educational episode.