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Transoceanic Connections

Driving Question: How did transoceanic connections transform global economic systems and societies in different parts of the world?

Before 1492, long-distance trade networks connected societies all around the world. Yet, Oceania, the Americas, and Afro-Eurasia remained separate from each other. After 1492, these regions linked to form the first global network. New Oceanic empires crossed oceans, moving people, plants, animals, goods, and diseases to new places. This movement, which reshaped the world, is known as the Columbian Exchange.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Evaluate the historical narrative of expanding networks and the formation of a new global age.
  2. Explain how transoceanic connections linked communities after 1492 CE.
  3. Identify the major changes and continuities in the three frames from 1450 to 1750 CE.
STEP 1

Opener: Transoceanic Connections

Teaching Tools

Our Openers and Closers Guide provides more information about these short-but-important activities at the beginning and end of each lesson.

In this lesson, you’ll learn about transoceanic connections. This activity will give you a glimpse into what’s ahead—get ready to think about those new ideas!

STEP 2

Looking Ahead

Teaching Tools

Get an idea of how other teachers use Unit Notebooks by checking out this conversation External link in the OER Project Teacher Community.

STEP 3

Transoceanic Connections

Teaching Tools

How are transoceanic connections and video games connected? Learn more in this blog post External link !

Today, the global economy is all around us. The video and article below will help you understand how these global connections began over 500 years ago.

Unit 3 Overview Video External link

European transoceanic voyages connected the Americas and Afro-Eurasia in sustained connections for the first time, launching the first truly global networks.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Frames in Unit 3

Teaching Tools

Want to see some student examples of frame drawing? Take a look at this conversation External link in the OER Project Teacher Community.

This video and activity will help us use the frames to evaluate the impacts of the first global networks between Afro-Eurasia and the Americas.

Unit 3 Frames External link

The connection of Afro-Eurasia with the Americas created the first truly global network, but these changes did not have the same results for all.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 5

Closer: Transoceanic Connections

Teaching Tools

Want to do more with maps? Check out OER Project’s collection of maps here External link .

Extension Materials
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Sharpen your understanding of claim and focus by reviewing it in a piece of writing—either your own or a sample essay.
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Essay Review