Transoceanic Connections
Driving Question: How did economic developments and new transoceanic connections affect social structures in different parts of the world from c. 1450 to 1750 CE?
The first truly global age—full of both prosperity and tragedy—forever altered the course of human history. The already massive, complex trading systems within the Americas and Afro-Eurasia were linked by the Columbian Exchange, creating a network that carried goods, people, ideas, and germs across the world. New maritime empires exerted control over vast oceans and diverse populations, the impacts of which can still be seen today.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how technological, economic, and philosophical factors contributed to changing patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750.
- Evaluate the causes and effects of the Columbian Exchange in different regions of the world from 1450 to 1750.
- Use historical thinking skills and reasoning processes such as claim testing, sourcing, and continuity and change over time to evaluate historical events and processes.
Vocab Terms:
What does it mean to in a “Global Age”? As you enter this unit on the First Global Age hypothesize what this really means.
If you’re short on time, have students either watch the video or read the introduction article. Alternatively, you could split the class in half and assign the video to one half and the introduction to the other. As students read or watch, have them take notes on the main points. Then, have students pair up to share their notes.
If you’ve ever been to Louisiana, you may have tried Gumbo. It’s often associated with that state; however, the history of how that recipe came to be there can teach us a lot about diffusion during the Columbian Exchange!
-
Guiding Questions
Many items, ideas, and even diseases were traded during the Columbian Exchange—but not all trades were mutually beneficial swaps.
-
Guiding Questions
All six AP themes are highlighted in this unit. This activity helps students make thematic connections to the content by evaluating statements related to the lesson driving questions.
It’s “Themes” time again! In this lesson, you’ll categorize statements according to the AP Themes!
