Transatlantic World

Four Distinct Phases of European Contact with rest of WorldDiscovery, exploration, initial conquest and

settlement Colonial trade among Spain, France, and

BritainEuropean Imperialism in Africa and Asia (19th

century) Decolonization of peoples previously under

European Rule (20th century)

Treaty of Utrecht 1713Established boundaries of empire until 1750s

SpainBritish French Dutch (technically – Would lose majority of

holdings)

MercantilismThe economic theory behind the system of

acquiring coloniesGovernments regulate trade and commerceHome country primary concernColonies provide resources; Home country

industries and protectionNavigation laws, tariffs, and bounties to

encourage production and discourage trade with other empires

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3u4EFTwprM

The West Indies and Indian SubcontinentGreat sources of

rivalriesPossessed resources

that appealed to Europeans

Spain Prior to ColonizationReconquista- Christian Crusade to recover

Spain (Iberian Peninsula from Islamic control)

Spanish Colonial System Prior to 1750sInitial Exploration is funded by crown (begins

1500s) Spanish Conquer- Well organized societies

(Aztecs; Incas) Ecomienda- Natives give tribute to Spanish

Conquerors Flota System- Control supplies and bullion

that went to and from Spain. No outside trade Establish government that is regulated by the

Spanish crown

British Colonial System Prior to 1750sBegins in 1600s Initial exploration is funded by Join-stock

companies (No crown regulationColonists establish own governmentGovernment leaders respond to investors Minimal government interaction

Charles III 1759-1788French BourbonAbolished Spanish Monopolies Opened more South American Ports to trade

and commerce Attempted to Increase taxes and end

corruption (smuggling and illicit trade) Intendent- District Administrator- Bring

Empire under Spanish Control

King George III and British Empire 1760s- 1776Attempts to Reassert control over British

colonies Introduces several taxes attempt to control

commerce and trade Opposite of Charles III of Spain

Slave LaborFundamental aspect of empire building Sugar Becomes most valuable export Natives died of disease from old world

caused a demand for labor Imported Africans from Central Africa, Sierra

Leone, Gold Coast Plantation System Established High Mortality rates drove constant need for

slaves

The War of Jenkins Ear Spain and England Disagreed over British

rights to Spanish market in the West Indies 1731 Spaniards cut off ear of English Captain

Robert Jenkins (Claims to be Commercial but in reality a Pirate)

1738- Robert Jenkins appears before parliament

1739- War begins when Robert Walpole (British Prime Minister) responds to pressure to stop Spanish intervention in trade

The War of Austrian Succession In 1740 Frederick II of Prussia seized Silesia,

an Austrian Providence belonging to Habsburgs Cardinal Fleury, minister to Louis XV (France)

supported Prussian aggression against Austria British feel threatened by this; Desire for Low

Countries to remain in Austrian Control and not French

1744- British French conflict expands to new world. France supported Spain against British

1748- Ends in stalemate

The Diplomatic Revolution 1756 Involved a Series of alliances that set the

stage for larger European conflict Convention of Westminster-

Alliance aimed at preventing troops from entering Germany

Britain allies with Austria Austria allies with France with the goal to

crush Prussia

Seven Years War 1756-1763Same time as French and Indian War in ColoniesFrederick II of Prussian invasion of Saxony Led to France, Austria, Sweden, Russia, and

small German states agree to destroy Prussia Russia and Prussia made PeaceFrederick II held of Austria and France William Pitt (England)- used soldiers in

American Colonies, Canada, and India to fight France across the globe and gain English possessions

Treaty of Paris 1763France and BritainBritain Receive all of Canada, Ohio River

Valley, eastern half of Mississippi Valley Britain Returns-

Pondicherry and Chadermangore in India; West Indian Islands of Guadeloupe and

Martinique

The American Revolution and EuropeBritain Attempts to place Seven Years War

debt on to American Colonist (who fought in the war)

Attempts to reassert control Taxation without Representation

1764 Sugar Act; 1765 Stamp Act 1770- Boston Massacre1773- Boston Tea Party (first of several)

1783 Treaty of Paris Fighting ends in 1781- Washington defeats

Cornwallis in Yorktown with the help of France and Spain

Treaty of Paris Concluded conflict Colonist establish government based on

popular consent rather than divine law or monarchy