AP World History: Maritime Empires (1450-1750)

Overview

• Focus on causes and effects of European expansion during this period
• Key categories: Technological, Political, and Economic developments

Causes of European Expansion

Technological

• Adoption and innovation of maritime technology:
  • Magnetic Compass: From China
  • Astrolabe: From Greece and Arab world
  • Lateen Sail: From Arab merchants
• European innovations in shipbuilding:
  • Portuguese Caravel: Smaller, faster ships with cannons
  • Understanding of regional wind patterns

Political

• Growth of state power:
  • Centralization of power among European monarchs
  • Demand for spices and goods from Asia
  • Challenge of land-based trading routes controlled by other empires

Economic

• Mercantilism: State-driven economic system
  • Wealth measured in gold and silver
  • Aim for favorable balance of trade through exports
• Joint Stock Companies: Limited liability businesses
  • Dutch East India Company (VOC), British and French equivalents

Key Players in Maritime Expansion

Portugal

• Led by Prince Henry the Navigator
• Focus on gold trade in Africa, Indian Ocean via trading post empire

Spain

• Sponsored Columbus, discovered Americas
• Colonization of the Philippines

France

• Westward expeditions, presence in Canada

England

• Established colonies in Virginia, interest in India

Netherlands

• Challenged Spanish and Portuguese in Indian Ocean, control of spice trade

Effects of Maritime Empires

Columbian Exchange

• Transfer of Diseases: Smallpox, measles, malaria devastated indigenous populations
• Transfer of Plants and Foods:
  • Europe to Americas: Wheat, olives, sugar
  • Americas to Europe, Africa, Asia: Maize, potatoes
• Transfer of Animals: Horses revolutionized agriculture and hunting for indigenous peoples

Resistance and Local Reactions

• Tokugawa Japan: Resisted Western influence, isolation
• French Fronde: Nobility resisted monarchical power
• Maroon Societies: Runaway slave communities in Caribbean and Brazil

African States and Maritime Trade

• Growth due to new trade networks:
  • Asante Empire: West Africa, wealth from gold and slaves
  • Kingdom of Kongo: Southern Africa, trade with Portugal

Changes and Continuities in Trade Networks

Indian Ocean

• European entrance increased profits
• Continued use by Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian merchants

Atlantic System

• Major change with new goods and labor systems
• Sugar and silver as dominant goods and wealth sources

Labor Systems

• Existing Systems: Mita from Inca adapted by Spanish
• New Systems:
  • Chattel Slavery: Race-based, hereditary
  • Indentured Servitude: Limited-term labor contract
  • Encomienda and Hacienda Systems: Control over indigenous labor

Social and Cultural Changes

• Religious Syncretism: Blend of Christian and indigenous beliefs
• Social Hierarchies:
  • Casta System in Spanish colonies
  • Rise of new political elites like the Manchu in China

Summary

• European maritime empires shifted global power dynamics
• Diverse responses and adaptations by different regions and cultures
• Key developments in technology, trade, and labor systems