|
NEW WORLD EXPANSION and interconnection |
So far we have studied the the development of interconnection across the Eurasian continent. Increasing interconnection was gradual and evolutionary. The year 1492 however, brought the interconnection of the Old World of Europe and the New World of the Americas into a dramatic first meeting. Over the next 200 years the Old World colonized the New World destroying existing civilizations and bringing European colonization. This interconnection between the Old and New world brought benefits and costs. In this unit of study we will consider the costs of this interconnection to two groups.
Firstly you will study the Aztecs (or Mexica) and how their interactions with the Spanish brought an abrupt end to their thriving civilization. Secondly you will study the people who lived on the West Coast of Africa who became part of an economic system that would bring them to the New World in chains during the Atlantic slave trade.
By the end of this unit you should understand that the benefits of expansion and interconnection are not shared equally and that particular groups will suffer and endure unequal costs.
Firstly you will study the Aztecs (or Mexica) and how their interactions with the Spanish brought an abrupt end to their thriving civilization. Secondly you will study the people who lived on the West Coast of Africa who became part of an economic system that would bring them to the New World in chains during the Atlantic slave trade.
By the end of this unit you should understand that the benefits of expansion and interconnection are not shared equally and that particular groups will suffer and endure unequal costs.
|
The Americas: Developing civilsations 500 - 1500ad |
|
|