4.5 Maritime Empires Maintained and Developed
7 min read•january 8, 2023
Amanda DoAmaral
Dalia Savy
Amanda DoAmaral
Dalia Savy
4.5 Required Content
Thematic Foci:
Governance - A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
Economic Systems - As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.
Social Interactions and Organization - The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.
Cultural Developments and Interactions - The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.
College Board Learning Objectives:
Explain how rulers employed economic strategies to consolidate and maintain power throughout the period from 1450 to 1750.
Explain the continuities and changes in networks of exchange from 1450 to 1750.
Explain how political, economic, and cultural factors affected society from 1450 to 1750.
Explain the similarities and differences in how various belief systems affected societies from 1450 to 1750.
Historical Developments:
KC-4.1.IV.C - and practices were used by European rulers to expand and control their economies and claim overseas territories. , influenced by these mercantilist principles, were used by rulers and merchants to finance exploration and were used by rulers to compete against one another in global trade.
KC-4.3.III.ii - Economic disputes led to rivalries and conflict between states.
KC-4.1.IV.D.i - The involved the movement of goods, wealth, and labor, including enslaved persons.
KC-4.1.IV - The new was facilitated by and the global flow of silver, especially from Spanish colonies in the Americas, which was used to purchase Asian goods for the Atlantic markets and satisfy Chinese demand for silver. continued to flourish in Afro-Eurasia by using established commercial practices and new transoceanic and regional shipping services developed by European merchants.
KC-4.2.II.A - continued and intensified in many regions as the demand for food and consumer goods increased.
KC-4.2.III.C - Some notable gender and family restructuring occurred, including demographic changes in Africa that resulted from the .
KC-4.1.IV.D.ii - The involved the movement of labor—including enslaved persons and the mixing of African, American, and European cultures and peoples, with all parties contributing to this .
KC-4.1.VI - In some cases, the increase and intensification of interactions between newly connected hemispheres expanded the reach and furthered development of existing religions, and contributed to religious conflicts and the development of syncretic belief systems and practices.
A Continuation of Mercantilism
Mercantilist policies of the time maximized exports and minimized imports so a state could have more silver and gold on hand. These policies forced colonies to only import goods from their colonizer.
The changes in economic policy and increased trade led to innovations in finances, business, and banking.
Commercial Revolution
The worldwide transformation into a trade-based economy using gold and silver is known as the , which had four main causes:
Development of European colonies overseas
Opening of new trade routes over the Atlantic and Pacific
Population growth, which increased demand for goods
Inflation caused by increased mining
The was characterized by a growth in trade and commerce, the development of new forms of credit and currency, and the growth of cities and urban centers. It had a significant impact on European society, as it led to the growth of a new class of merchants and entrepreneurs and the development of a more complex and integrated economy.
As a result of increased trade and mining, prices also increased across the board. This is also known as the . As prices increased, more people went into debt, which was a recipe for revolution in the upcoming century.
Innovations in Finance
To keep up with the new global demand, were formed. These minimized personal risk as investors pooled money into ventures. It was kind of like an early form of crowdfunding. Rather than one investor risking everything if a ship was destroyed, many investors could split the risk thereby increasing the number of new businesses.
There were two main . The and the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Spain and Portugal had more government than private investment, which is why they didn’t rely on .
The Dutch were high rollers at this time and played a main role in finance. They established a stock exchange and developed an international currency to facilitate trade. These financial innovations created enormous wealth for the Dutch.
France and England were not as financially stable. Investors were rapidly buying shares based on speculated costs that increased as demand increased. When a large number of these investments failed to return profits, many investors went bankrupt which had rippling effects on the economy.
Triangular Trade
refers to the system of trade that developed between Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the colonial period. Under the system, European merchants would trade goods such as manufactured goods, firearms, and alcohol with African traders for enslaved Africans. The enslaved Africans would then be transported to the Americas, where they were traded for raw materials such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which were then shipped back to Europe.
Image Courtesy of Project
Effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade
The explosion of the slave trade seriously weakened African kingdoms that had been on the rise before this time. For example, the Kongo was in decline. Slowed population growth also weakened economic production.
Because of this, economic development in Africa was stalled for centuries and these regions were left vulnerable to the imperial conquest of Europeans. Without the slave trade, African kingdoms would have continued to strengthen and could have prevented centuries of turmoil in the region.
Some African rulers were complicit in the slave trade, as they would kidnap slaves and trade them to Europeans in exchange for wealth and guns. This made local rivalries more violent, as different groups competed for the resources and power that were associated with the slave trade.
The also had significant social and cultural impacts on Africa. Most of the slaves who were traded were men, which left a gender imbalance in favor of women in some parts of Africa, such as Ghana and Benin. This led to an increase in the prevalence of polygamy in these societies.
Ultimately, the led to the exchange of new food staples between Africa and the Americas, which increased the population of Africa. However, in some parts of Africa, such as West Africa, the population suffered as people were taken as slaves, leading to a decline in population in these areas.
Effects on Native Americans
The arrival of Europeans in the Americas had a significant impact on the indigenous communities of the region. One of the most immediate effects was the massive depopulation caused by disease. Native Americans did not have biological immunity to the common diseases brought by Europeans, such as smallpox and typhoid, and as a result, these diseases killed up to 90% of the Native population. This had a devastating impact on indigenous communities, as it led to the loss of life and the disruption of traditional ways of life.
The Spanish and Portuguese established colonial governments in the region, and they appointed to rule each region in conjunction with , or royal courts. The Spanish and Portuguese also brought their own languages, religions, and cultural practices to the Americas, and these became dominant in the region.
Most of the native literature, art, and languages were completely destroyed, which left very few primary sources from before 1450. The decimation of lands and peoples made it difficult to preserve this history, and as a result, much of the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas has been lost.
Finally, a new elite class emerged called the . These were people of Spanish or Portuguese descent that were born in the Americas. They were not quite as powerful as , people born on the Iberian peninsula, but had far more powers than any mixed person, Native American, or African slave.
Image Courtesy of AIS Global
Changes in Belief Systems
New syncretic religions emerged that blended native and colonial traditions. Syncretisms happen everywhere, but in the Americas, there are quite a few examples.
- West African faith + Roman Catholicism
- West African spiritualism brought to the Caribbean
- “dance to honor the gods”, Bantu + Brazil
- Indigenous + Catholic
Key Terms to Review (29)
Atlantic Slave Trade
: The Atlantic Slave Trade, also known as the Transatlantic Slave Trade, was a system of trading in which African people were captured and sold as slaves to European colonies in the Americas from the 15th to 19th centuries.Atlantic trading system
: Also known as the Atlantic triangular trade, this was a complex network of trade routes during the 16th to 19th centuries that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Goods (like sugar and tobacco), slaves, and raw materials were traded along these routes.Audiencias
: Audiencias were advisory groups that assisted viceroys in Spanish colonies. They served both judicial and administrative functions.British East India Company
: The British East India Company was an English company formed for the exploitation of trade with East and Southeast Asia and India, incorporated by royal charter on December 31, 1600. It became one of the leading economic and political forces in India.Candomble
: Candomble is an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition, practiced mainly in Brazil by the "povo de santo" (people of the saint). It originated from African religions brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. The religion involves animal sacrifice, spirit possession, and dances in honor of gods known as orixas.Chartered European monopoly companies
: These were organizations given exclusive rights by European governments to conduct trade in specific regions during the Age of Exploration.Commercial Revolution
: The Commercial Revolution refers to the period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism which lasted from approximately the late 13th century until the early 18th century. It was characterized by an increase in general commerce, and in the growth of financial services such as banking and investing.Creoles
: In the context of Latin American history, Creoles were people of Spanish or Portuguese descent born in the New World. They were often socially and politically influential, but still subject to control by European-born Spaniards or Portuguese.Cultural synthesis
: This is the blending or merging of different cultural elements into a new, unique culture. It often occurs when different societies come into contact through trade, conquest, or migration.Depopulation due to disease in Native Americans
: This refers to the significant reduction in the population of Native Americans post-European contact, primarily due to diseases brought by Europeans such as smallpox, measles, and influenza.Dutch East India Company (VOC)
: The Dutch East India Company, also known as VOC, was a powerful company established by the Netherlands in 1602 to carry out colonial activities in Asia. It had its own army and was involved in trade, exploration, and colonization.Food staples exchange between Africa and Americas
: This refers to the Columbian Exchange, a period of cultural and biological exchanges between the New and Old Worlds. Key food staples like maize, potatoes, and tomatoes were introduced from the Americas to Africa.Global circulation of goods
: The worldwide trade and exchange of goods, including raw materials, manufactured products, foodstuffs, and luxury items.Joint-stock companies
: These are businesses owned by shareholders who each contribute some money to the company's capital. Profits and losses are shared among shareholders according to their investment.Kongo Kingdom
: The Kongo Kingdom was a powerful state in central Africa from the 14th to the 19th century. It was known for its centralized government, trade networks, and cultural influence.Mercantilist policies
: Mercantilism is an economic theory that advocates for a positive balance of trade, where exports exceed imports. It encourages government regulation of a nation's economy to augment state power at the expense of rival national powers.Peasant and artisan labor
: This refers to the work done by peasants (farmers who own or rent small pieces of land) and artisans (skilled workers who make goods by hand).Peninsulares
: Peninsulares were Spanish-born individuals residing in the New World or the Spanish East Indies.Polygamy in Africa
: Polygamy is a marital practice where one person has multiple spouses simultaneously. In many African societies, it's traditionally been accepted and practiced widely.Portuguese colonial governments in Americas
: These were the administrative bodies established by Portugal in its colonies, primarily Brazil, during the Age of Discovery. They aimed to exploit resources and spread Christianity.Price Revolution
: The Price Revolution refers to the period in European history during which inflation rose steadily from the 15th through 17th centuries. This was largely due to an influx of gold and silver from Spanish colonies in America.Regional markets
: A marketplace where goods are traded within a specific geographic area.Santeria
: Santeria is an Afro-Caribbean religion based on Yoruba beliefs and traditions, with some Roman Catholic elements added. It was developed among West African slaves brought to Cuba.Spanish colonial governments in Americas
: These were administrative organizations established by Spain in its colonies across America during the Age of Discovery which aimed at controlling and exploiting resources from these territories.Trade of enslaved persons
: This refers to the buying, selling, and transportation of human beings as property for forced labor—most notably seen during the Transatlantic Slave Trade between Africa, Europe, and Americas from 15th through 19th centuries.Triangular Trade
: Triangular Trade refers to the transatlantic trading pattern which transported goods from Europe to Africa, slaves from Africa to the Americas, and then raw materials from the Americas back to Europe.Viceroys
: A viceroy is a governor who rules as a representative of a monarch. In the context of AP World History, this term often refers to the viceroys of Spanish colonies in the Americas.Virgin of Guadalupe
: The Virgin of Guadalupe refers to an apparition of the Virgin Mary who appeared to an indigenous man named Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in 1531. She is now recognized as a symbol of Mexican identity and Catholic faith.Vodun
: Vodun, also known as Voodoo, is a traditional Afro-Haitian religion that combines elements from West African religions with Arawakian traditions and Roman Catholic Christianity.4.5 Maritime Empires Maintained and Developed
7 min read•january 8, 2023
Amanda DoAmaral
Dalia Savy
Amanda DoAmaral
Dalia Savy
4.5 Required Content
Thematic Foci:
Governance - A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
Economic Systems - As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.
Social Interactions and Organization - The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.
Cultural Developments and Interactions - The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.
College Board Learning Objectives:
Explain how rulers employed economic strategies to consolidate and maintain power throughout the period from 1450 to 1750.
Explain the continuities and changes in networks of exchange from 1450 to 1750.
Explain how political, economic, and cultural factors affected society from 1450 to 1750.
Explain the similarities and differences in how various belief systems affected societies from 1450 to 1750.
Historical Developments:
KC-4.1.IV.C - and practices were used by European rulers to expand and control their economies and claim overseas territories. , influenced by these mercantilist principles, were used by rulers and merchants to finance exploration and were used by rulers to compete against one another in global trade.
KC-4.3.III.ii - Economic disputes led to rivalries and conflict between states.
KC-4.1.IV.D.i - The involved the movement of goods, wealth, and labor, including enslaved persons.
KC-4.1.IV - The new was facilitated by and the global flow of silver, especially from Spanish colonies in the Americas, which was used to purchase Asian goods for the Atlantic markets and satisfy Chinese demand for silver. continued to flourish in Afro-Eurasia by using established commercial practices and new transoceanic and regional shipping services developed by European merchants.
KC-4.2.II.A - continued and intensified in many regions as the demand for food and consumer goods increased.
KC-4.2.III.C - Some notable gender and family restructuring occurred, including demographic changes in Africa that resulted from the .
KC-4.1.IV.D.ii - The involved the movement of labor—including enslaved persons and the mixing of African, American, and European cultures and peoples, with all parties contributing to this .
KC-4.1.VI - In some cases, the increase and intensification of interactions between newly connected hemispheres expanded the reach and furthered development of existing religions, and contributed to religious conflicts and the development of syncretic belief systems and practices.
A Continuation of Mercantilism
Mercantilist policies of the time maximized exports and minimized imports so a state could have more silver and gold on hand. These policies forced colonies to only import goods from their colonizer.
The changes in economic policy and increased trade led to innovations in finances, business, and banking.
Commercial Revolution
The worldwide transformation into a trade-based economy using gold and silver is known as the , which had four main causes:
Development of European colonies overseas
Opening of new trade routes over the Atlantic and Pacific
Population growth, which increased demand for goods
Inflation caused by increased mining
The was characterized by a growth in trade and commerce, the development of new forms of credit and currency, and the growth of cities and urban centers. It had a significant impact on European society, as it led to the growth of a new class of merchants and entrepreneurs and the development of a more complex and integrated economy.
As a result of increased trade and mining, prices also increased across the board. This is also known as the . As prices increased, more people went into debt, which was a recipe for revolution in the upcoming century.
Innovations in Finance
To keep up with the new global demand, were formed. These minimized personal risk as investors pooled money into ventures. It was kind of like an early form of crowdfunding. Rather than one investor risking everything if a ship was destroyed, many investors could split the risk thereby increasing the number of new businesses.
There were two main . The and the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Spain and Portugal had more government than private investment, which is why they didn’t rely on .
The Dutch were high rollers at this time and played a main role in finance. They established a stock exchange and developed an international currency to facilitate trade. These financial innovations created enormous wealth for the Dutch.
France and England were not as financially stable. Investors were rapidly buying shares based on speculated costs that increased as demand increased. When a large number of these investments failed to return profits, many investors went bankrupt which had rippling effects on the economy.
Triangular Trade
refers to the system of trade that developed between Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the colonial period. Under the system, European merchants would trade goods such as manufactured goods, firearms, and alcohol with African traders for enslaved Africans. The enslaved Africans would then be transported to the Americas, where they were traded for raw materials such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which were then shipped back to Europe.
Image Courtesy of Project
Effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade
The explosion of the slave trade seriously weakened African kingdoms that had been on the rise before this time. For example, the Kongo was in decline. Slowed population growth also weakened economic production.
Because of this, economic development in Africa was stalled for centuries and these regions were left vulnerable to the imperial conquest of Europeans. Without the slave trade, African kingdoms would have continued to strengthen and could have prevented centuries of turmoil in the region.
Some African rulers were complicit in the slave trade, as they would kidnap slaves and trade them to Europeans in exchange for wealth and guns. This made local rivalries more violent, as different groups competed for the resources and power that were associated with the slave trade.
The also had significant social and cultural impacts on Africa. Most of the slaves who were traded were men, which left a gender imbalance in favor of women in some parts of Africa, such as Ghana and Benin. This led to an increase in the prevalence of polygamy in these societies.
Ultimately, the led to the exchange of new food staples between Africa and the Americas, which increased the population of Africa. However, in some parts of Africa, such as West Africa, the population suffered as people were taken as slaves, leading to a decline in population in these areas.
Effects on Native Americans
The arrival of Europeans in the Americas had a significant impact on the indigenous communities of the region. One of the most immediate effects was the massive depopulation caused by disease. Native Americans did not have biological immunity to the common diseases brought by Europeans, such as smallpox and typhoid, and as a result, these diseases killed up to 90% of the Native population. This had a devastating impact on indigenous communities, as it led to the loss of life and the disruption of traditional ways of life.
The Spanish and Portuguese established colonial governments in the region, and they appointed to rule each region in conjunction with , or royal courts. The Spanish and Portuguese also brought their own languages, religions, and cultural practices to the Americas, and these became dominant in the region.
Most of the native literature, art, and languages were completely destroyed, which left very few primary sources from before 1450. The decimation of lands and peoples made it difficult to preserve this history, and as a result, much of the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas has been lost.
Finally, a new elite class emerged called the . These were people of Spanish or Portuguese descent that were born in the Americas. They were not quite as powerful as , people born on the Iberian peninsula, but had far more powers than any mixed person, Native American, or African slave.
Image Courtesy of AIS Global
Changes in Belief Systems
New syncretic religions emerged that blended native and colonial traditions. Syncretisms happen everywhere, but in the Americas, there are quite a few examples.
- West African faith + Roman Catholicism
- West African spiritualism brought to the Caribbean
- “dance to honor the gods”, Bantu + Brazil
- Indigenous + Catholic
Key Terms to Review (29)
Atlantic Slave Trade
: The Atlantic Slave Trade, also known as the Transatlantic Slave Trade, was a system of trading in which African people were captured and sold as slaves to European colonies in the Americas from the 15th to 19th centuries.Atlantic trading system
: Also known as the Atlantic triangular trade, this was a complex network of trade routes during the 16th to 19th centuries that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Goods (like sugar and tobacco), slaves, and raw materials were traded along these routes.Audiencias
: Audiencias were advisory groups that assisted viceroys in Spanish colonies. They served both judicial and administrative functions.British East India Company
: The British East India Company was an English company formed for the exploitation of trade with East and Southeast Asia and India, incorporated by royal charter on December 31, 1600. It became one of the leading economic and political forces in India.Candomble
: Candomble is an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition, practiced mainly in Brazil by the "povo de santo" (people of the saint). It originated from African religions brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. The religion involves animal sacrifice, spirit possession, and dances in honor of gods known as orixas.Chartered European monopoly companies
: These were organizations given exclusive rights by European governments to conduct trade in specific regions during the Age of Exploration.Commercial Revolution
: The Commercial Revolution refers to the period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism which lasted from approximately the late 13th century until the early 18th century. It was characterized by an increase in general commerce, and in the growth of financial services such as banking and investing.Creoles
: In the context of Latin American history, Creoles were people of Spanish or Portuguese descent born in the New World. They were often socially and politically influential, but still subject to control by European-born Spaniards or Portuguese.Cultural synthesis
: This is the blending or merging of different cultural elements into a new, unique culture. It often occurs when different societies come into contact through trade, conquest, or migration.Depopulation due to disease in Native Americans
: This refers to the significant reduction in the population of Native Americans post-European contact, primarily due to diseases brought by Europeans such as smallpox, measles, and influenza.Dutch East India Company (VOC)
: The Dutch East India Company, also known as VOC, was a powerful company established by the Netherlands in 1602 to carry out colonial activities in Asia. It had its own army and was involved in trade, exploration, and colonization.Food staples exchange between Africa and Americas
: This refers to the Columbian Exchange, a period of cultural and biological exchanges between the New and Old Worlds. Key food staples like maize, potatoes, and tomatoes were introduced from the Americas to Africa.Global circulation of goods
: The worldwide trade and exchange of goods, including raw materials, manufactured products, foodstuffs, and luxury items.Joint-stock companies
: These are businesses owned by shareholders who each contribute some money to the company's capital. Profits and losses are shared among shareholders according to their investment.Kongo Kingdom
: The Kongo Kingdom was a powerful state in central Africa from the 14th to the 19th century. It was known for its centralized government, trade networks, and cultural influence.Mercantilist policies
: Mercantilism is an economic theory that advocates for a positive balance of trade, where exports exceed imports. It encourages government regulation of a nation's economy to augment state power at the expense of rival national powers.Peasant and artisan labor
: This refers to the work done by peasants (farmers who own or rent small pieces of land) and artisans (skilled workers who make goods by hand).Peninsulares
: Peninsulares were Spanish-born individuals residing in the New World or the Spanish East Indies.Polygamy in Africa
: Polygamy is a marital practice where one person has multiple spouses simultaneously. In many African societies, it's traditionally been accepted and practiced widely.Portuguese colonial governments in Americas
: These were the administrative bodies established by Portugal in its colonies, primarily Brazil, during the Age of Discovery. They aimed to exploit resources and spread Christianity.Price Revolution
: The Price Revolution refers to the period in European history during which inflation rose steadily from the 15th through 17th centuries. This was largely due to an influx of gold and silver from Spanish colonies in America.Regional markets
: A marketplace where goods are traded within a specific geographic area.Santeria
: Santeria is an Afro-Caribbean religion based on Yoruba beliefs and traditions, with some Roman Catholic elements added. It was developed among West African slaves brought to Cuba.Spanish colonial governments in Americas
: These were administrative organizations established by Spain in its colonies across America during the Age of Discovery which aimed at controlling and exploiting resources from these territories.Trade of enslaved persons
: This refers to the buying, selling, and transportation of human beings as property for forced labor—most notably seen during the Transatlantic Slave Trade between Africa, Europe, and Americas from 15th through 19th centuries.Triangular Trade
: Triangular Trade refers to the transatlantic trading pattern which transported goods from Europe to Africa, slaves from Africa to the Americas, and then raw materials from the Americas back to Europe.Viceroys
: A viceroy is a governor who rules as a representative of a monarch. In the context of AP World History, this term often refers to the viceroys of Spanish colonies in the Americas.Virgin of Guadalupe
: The Virgin of Guadalupe refers to an apparition of the Virgin Mary who appeared to an indigenous man named Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in 1531. She is now recognized as a symbol of Mexican identity and Catholic faith.Vodun
: Vodun, also known as Voodoo, is a traditional Afro-Haitian religion that combines elements from West African religions with Arawakian traditions and Roman Catholic Christianity.
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