Lecture Notes on AP US History: Unit 2 (1607-1754) Trade
Summary of Lecture
Today's discussion focused on the causes and effects of the transatlantic trade during the period 1607 to 1754, underlining its transition towards a global scale. We explored the intricacies of the Triangular Trade, a pivotal mechanism of this era, examined the harsh realities of the Middle Passage, and delved into the economic principles of mercantilism that drove the expansion of this trade network.
The Triangular Trade
- Definition and Path: Named for its three-legged route forming a triangle across the Atlantic.
- Starts in New England, carrying rum to West Africa.
- In Africa, rum is exchanged for enslaved laborers.
- Ships then traverse the 'Middle Passage' to the British West Indies, known for extreme cruelty to the slaves onboard.
- In the West Indies, slaves are traded for sugarcane.
- Return to New England, where sugarcane is exchanged for more rum, restarting the cycle.
Middle Passage
- Known for its brutal conditions.
- Influenced by the British Slave Trade Act of 1788 which, although a reform, still allowed deplorable conditions to exist during the slave transport.
- Even as a reform, stacked and cramped conditions were seen as an improvement over previous standards.
Mercantilism
- Economic System: Predominant in Europe, centered on the assumption of a finite amount of wealth (gold and silver).
- Goals:
- Favorable Balance of Trade: Encourages exports over imports to ensure gold and silver flow into the country rather than out.
- Colonization: Establish colonies to:
- Access raw materials not available in the home country.
- Serve as markets for the home country's manufactured goods.
British Navigation Acts
- Laws ensuring that trade with English colonies was carried out in English ships.
- Valuable trade items had to pass through British ports for taxation, maximizing Britain's intake of wealth.
Effects on Colonial Societies
- Wealth Accumulation: Concentrated wealth among the elite (merchants, investors, plantation owners).
- Urbanization: Growth of America's seaports into bustling urban centers.
- Consumer Revolution: Shift in societal status from lineage to financial success and lifestyle.
- Increased consumerism among affluent families, changing social structures and respect based on material possessions.
Conclusion
- The transatlantic trade fostered a global network that was deeply influenced by mercantilism, which not only shaped European economies but also had profound impacts on African and American societies. The reliance on slave labor and exploitation of resources highlight the complexities and moral questions of this period in history.
Review Materials and Additional Resources
- To further assist with understanding and memorizing the detailed historical processes discussed today, review packets are available.
- Subscribing to additional lecture series is encouraged for continuous learning.
Heimler out.