The Trans-Atlantic Trade, Explained [APUSH Review]

Transatlantic Trade System and Its Effects

Introduction to the Transatlantic Trade

• The discussion begins with an overview of the transatlantic trade system, highlighting its numerous effects on economies.

• A reference is made to previous discussions about the early struggles of British colonies in America, including extreme survival tactics like cannibalism.

The Triangular Trade

• The triangular trade routes are introduced as a key component of maritime trade that economically connected different states across the Atlantic.

• An explanation of how New Englanders shipped rum to West Africa in exchange for enslaved laborers, who were then transported via the Middle Passage to produce sugarcane in the West Indies.

• Emphasis is placed on economic interdependence among regions; each economy relied heavily on goods from others (e.g., rum production depended on sugarcane).

Economic Dependencies and Commodities

• Colonial economies prioritized producing high-demand goods, often focusing entirely on specific commodities for export.

• Sugarcane's introduction by Christopher Columbus led to its dominance in Caribbean economies due to favorable growing conditions and increasing European demand.

Labor Demand and Enslavement

• The rising demand for sugar resulted in a significant increase in the need for enslaved laborers, primarily sourced from Africa but also involving American Indians.

• Harsh working conditions contributed to high mortality rates among laborers, further escalating the demand for enslaved individuals.

Mercantilism: The Driving Economic Ideology

• Mercantilism is identified as the economic ideology underpinning transatlantic trade expansion, emphasizing a favorable balance of trade (more exports than imports).

• A metaphor comparing mercantilism to a pie illustrates how nations sought larger shares of wealth (gold/silver), leading them to prioritize exports over imports.

Colonies' Role Under Mercantilism

Colonial Independence and British Control

The Navigation Acts and Colonial Autonomy

• The American colonies developed systems for independent operation due to the vast ocean separating them from Great Britain.

• The Navigation Act imposed three main rules:

• Goods imported by colonists had to pass through English ports for taxation.

• Trade goods had to be transported on English ships.

• Certain valuable colonial goods could only be exported to England.

• These regulations stripped colonists of their economic autonomy, forcing them to serve Britain's imperial economy instead of their own interests.

Salutary Neglect and Its Implications

• Despite the Navigation Acts, many colonists found they could ignore these laws without facing punishment, a situation referred to as "salutary neglect."

• This neglect was not a formal policy but occurred because Britain was preoccupied with other issues, leading to inconsistent enforcement of colonial laws.

The Dominion of New England and Political Control

• In 1686, King James II created the Dominion of New England, consolidating several colonies under a single governor who bypassed elected assemblies.

• This arrangement facilitated tighter control over colonial policies but was disrupted by the Glorious Revolution in 1688 when Parliament overthrew King James II.

• Following this revolution, rebellions erupted in the colonies, resulting in the collapse of the Dominion and restoration of elected assemblies.

Interactions with Indigenous Peoples

• Colonists traded with various American Indian groups, introducing European goods like metal tools and firearms which altered power dynamics among indigenous groups.

• Trade also led to devastating epidemics among indigenous populations due to diseases such as smallpox and measles introduced by Europeans.

• Increased dependency on European goods made indigenous peoples more vulnerable to manipulation and internal divisions within their communities.

Bacon's Rebellion: A Case Study

• Bacon's Rebellion involved disenfranchised indentured servants attacking American Indian groups in Virginia; it highlighted tensions between settlers and indigenous allies.

• After initial success against local tribes, rebels turned against Governor William Berkeley, who eventually suppressed the rebellion with British naval reinforcements.