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Dbq Columbian Exchange

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The centuries from 1400 to 1700 were monumental. They marked the first time people from all across the globe were connected socially, politically, and economically. A large contributor to this were the systems of international trade, heralded by advances in maritime technology. The Columbian Exchange, for instance, transported potatoes, corn, and silver from the New World to the Old, and it carried farm animals, vegetables, and slaves from the Old World to the New. Another example is the spice trade between Asia and Europe. This trade network is simulated in an interactive learning experience entitled “Become a Spice Trader.” The purpose of this activity is to educate the participant about the nature of international trade in a fun and engaging manner. I believe that it achieves this goal. …show more content…

I previously was unaware that pirates were a major threat to commerce in the Indian Ocean, and that traders had to account for them in their voyages. I thought that pirates were only in the Caribbean Sea, and that they were often hired by the Spanish government to seize cargo. The fact that they were a threat in the Indian Ocean further proves that the Europeans’ determination to be involved in Asian trade was tremendous. The online activity also taught me about which commodities were most profitable. Spices, for example, could generate more profit than precious stones. The creators of the simulation did a terrific job at subtly including facts like these. The only informational weakness I found in “Become a Spice Trader” is that it does not mention the importance of spirits in maritime trade during the time period. Indeed, alcoholic beverages were a highly demanded commodity by Europeans, Asians, and Africans alike (Standage 101-110). Inclusion of them in the simulation would reinforce this

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