Learn on PengiCalifornia myWorld Interactive, Grade 7Chapter 9: Global Convergence

Lesson 5: Impact of Global Trade

In this Grade 7 lesson from California myWorld Interactive Chapter 9, students explore the Columbian Exchange and its far-reaching effects on global populations, agriculture, and trade networks. They examine how the exchange of crops, animals, people, and diseases between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres transformed societies worldwide, from corn sparking population growth in Africa and Asia to European livestock reshaping life in the Americas. Students also analyze the economic shifts that gave rise to mercantilism and capitalism as exploration connected global trade routes.

Section 1

The Columbian Exchange Reshapes the World

Key Idea

After 1492, a vast global exchange connected the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This Columbian Exchange involved the movement of people, animals, plants, and diseases. It permanently changed the world.

Crops from the Americas, like potatoes and maize, traveled to Europe, Africa, and Asia. These new foods improved diets and helped populations grow. In the Americas, European animals like horses and cattle transformed transportation and farming.

Section 2

Nations Use Colonies to Gain Wealth

Key Idea

European rulers wanted to make their nations more powerful. They believed power came from wealth, especially gold and silver. This economic policy, known as mercantilism, aimed to gather as much of this wealth as possible.

Nations used their overseas colonies to achieve this goal. Colonies were forced to provide cheap raw materials, such as wood, sugar, and cotton, exclusively to their ruling country.

Section 3

Merchants Build a New Economy

Key Idea

The flood of gold and silver from the Americas, combined with growing global trade, put more money into the hands of European merchants. These individuals began looking for ways to invest this wealth and earn even more.

Merchants started their own businesses, paying for materials and workers to produce goods. This system of private ownership meant that individuals, not just kings or governments, controlled businesses. The main goal was to sell goods for more than they cost to make, earning a profit.

Section 4

American Silver Raises European Prices

Key Idea

Spanish ships carried tons of gold and silver from the Americas to Europe. This sudden flood of wealth dramatically increased the amount of money circulating in European economies.

At the same time, Europe's population was growing, which increased demand for food and other goods. However, the supply of these items did not grow as quickly as the population.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

The Columbian Exchange Reshapes the World

Key Idea

After 1492, a vast global exchange connected the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This Columbian Exchange involved the movement of people, animals, plants, and diseases. It permanently changed the world.

Crops from the Americas, like potatoes and maize, traveled to Europe, Africa, and Asia. These new foods improved diets and helped populations grow. In the Americas, European animals like horses and cattle transformed transportation and farming.

Section 2

Nations Use Colonies to Gain Wealth

Key Idea

European rulers wanted to make their nations more powerful. They believed power came from wealth, especially gold and silver. This economic policy, known as mercantilism, aimed to gather as much of this wealth as possible.

Nations used their overseas colonies to achieve this goal. Colonies were forced to provide cheap raw materials, such as wood, sugar, and cotton, exclusively to their ruling country.

Section 3

Merchants Build a New Economy

Key Idea

The flood of gold and silver from the Americas, combined with growing global trade, put more money into the hands of European merchants. These individuals began looking for ways to invest this wealth and earn even more.

Merchants started their own businesses, paying for materials and workers to produce goods. This system of private ownership meant that individuals, not just kings or governments, controlled businesses. The main goal was to sell goods for more than they cost to make, earning a profit.

Section 4

American Silver Raises European Prices

Key Idea

Spanish ships carried tons of gold and silver from the Americas to Europe. This sudden flood of wealth dramatically increased the amount of money circulating in European economies.

At the same time, Europe's population was growing, which increased demand for food and other goods. However, the supply of these items did not grow as quickly as the population.