With Columbus arrival in the Americas, how do Europeans modify the environment for economic interests?

WHY DID AFRICANS COOPERATE?

1. Europeans paid high price forslaves because demand for sugarwas high
2. low pop. density had alreadymade labor (and slaves) valuableexisting mechanisms supplied Eurodemand

367,000

1,868,000

6,133,000

3,330,000

–

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

1460-1600

1601-1700

1701-1801

1801-1900

Theories of Slavery

Slavery and Climate

• Extreme weather events disrupt society

Theories:

• Droughtdecreasedslavery by increasing associatedcosts

• Agriculture fails
• Population declines
• Difficult to raise taxes/lower productivity
• Higher slave mortality

• Sub-humid/savannah regions: more sensitive to change

Theories of Slavery

Slavery and Climate

• Extreme weather events disrupt society

Theories:

• Droughtincreasedslavery

• Population disruptedmore conflict
• People without food migratemore vulnerable tocapture
• People sell themselves into slavery

• Some historians say Africa experienced prolonged dryspell from 1630-1860

Theories of Slavery

Slavery and Climate

• NOT TO EXCUSE RESPONSIBILITY
• Such numbers only possible because ofEuropean demand

How did climate affect slavetrade?

Discussion: Marks“Empires”

• What are changes to the world from 1500-1775?

• Political changes
• Economic/trade-related
• Social changes
• Environmental changes

• What is causing some regions/empires to expand and otherto contract?

• What resources do empires need? Why?
• How do climate and geography affect the search for thoseresources?
• Give examples from Asia, Middle East, Europe and pre-ColumbianAmericas.

• With Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, how do Europeansmodify the environment for economic interests?

Agenda

1. read excerpt of Parker’sGlobal CrisisonBlackboard
2. read Marks 86-96
3. Quiz #6 next Wedquestions from both
   

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