AP World History: Unit 4 - Maritime Empires (1450-1750)

Overview

• Focus on European expansion and the development of maritime empires.
• Key developments in technology, political power, and economic systems.

Causes of European Expansion

Technological Advancements

• Adopted Technologies:
  • Magnetic compass (China)
  • Astrolabe (Greece/Arab world)
  • Lateen sail (Arab merchants)
• Innovations:
  • Shipbuilding with examples like the Portuguese caravel.
  • Understanding regional wind patterns.

Political Factors

• State Power Growth:
  • Centralization of power in European monarchs.
  • Demand for Asian spices and goods by European elite.
  • Land route control by other empires increased the incentive for sea routes.

Economic Motivations

• Mercantilism:
  • Wealth measured in gold/silver.
  • Goal: Favorable balance of trade (more exports than imports).
• Joint Stock Companies:
  • Limited liability businesses with private investors.
  • Examples: Dutch East India Company (VOC), British and French companies.

Key Players in Maritime Empires

Portugal

• First to explore African coast for gold then Indian Ocean.
• Established trading post empire with small, fast ships (caravels).

Spain

• Sponsored Columbus for a westward route; discovered Americas.
• Established colonies in Americas and the Philippines.

France

• Explored Canada for trade, engaged in fur trade.

England

• Colonization efforts in Americas (e.g., Jamestown, Virginia).
• Trading posts in India, later full colonial rule.

Netherlands

• VOC dominance in Indian Ocean spice trade.
• Limited colonization in the Americas.

Major Effects

Columbian Exchange

• Transfer of diseases, food, plants, and animals between hemispheres.
• Diseases: Smallpox, measles, malaria devastated indigenous populations.
• Plants/Food: European staples (wheat, rice) introduced to Americas. Maize and potatoes spread to Europe, Africa, Asia.
• Animals: Introduction of pigs, sheep, cattle, and horses to Americas.

Resistance to European Expansion

• Asian States: Japan limited Western influence (Christianity suppression).
• Local Rebellions: French Fronde against increased taxation and absolutism.
• Maroon Societies: Runaway slave communities in Caribbean and Brazil resisted colonial powers.

African States and Global Networks

• African states like Asante and Kongo prospered by trading with Europeans.
• Strategic locations in trade networks increased power and wealth.

Changes and Continuities in Trade

Indian Ocean

• Changes: European power grabs.
• Continuities: Continued trade by Asian merchants, gujaratis.

Atlantic System

• Changes: New trade routes, goods (sugar, silver), labor systems.
• Continuities: Silver flow, joint stock companies.

Labor Systems

Existing Systems

• Mit’a: Continued by Spanish for silver mining.

New Systems

• Chattel Slavery: Race-based, hereditary slavery in Americas.
• Indentured Servitude: Contract-bound labor for passage to Americas.
• Encomienda System: Forced labor of indigenous peoples by Spanish.
• Hacienda: Land ownership based forced labor system.

Cultural and Societal Changes

Christianity in the Americas

• Conversions led to religious syncretism.
• Examples: Vodun blending African/Christian beliefs.

Social Hierarchies

• Casta System: Racial classification in Spanish colonies.
• Jewish Treatment: Expulsion in Spain/Portugal, acceptance in Ottoman Empire.
• New Elites: Change from Ming to Qing dynasty in China.
• Existing Elites: Reduction of power, e.g., Russian boyars under Peter the Great.

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• Review resources like the AP World Heimler Review Guide to prepare for exams.